Cyclosporine Ophthalmic

T-Cell Immunosuppressive Agent (Ophthalmic Drug)

Prescriber Highlights

• Ophthalmic ointment for treatment of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) and other inflammatory ocular diseases 

• Normal tear production requires weeks of therapy with cyclosporine; however, treatment cessation results in loss of tear production within days

• Patients that do not respond to approved ophthalmic ointment may benefit from higher concentrations of cyclosporine compounded as an ophthalmic solution

Uses, Indications

• Approved for treatment of KCS in veterinary patients 

• Also used to treat other ocular inflammatory diseases (eg, pannus, uveitis, immune-mediated keratitis)

Contraindications, Precautions, Warnings

• ContraindicationsPatients with a history of hypersensitivity to cyclosporine or any of its components; patients with ocular viral or fungal infections

• PrecautionsCyclosporine for humans (0.05% ophthalmic solution) has proven ineffective in dogs with KCS

• WarningsDo not use with a subpalpebral lavage catheter, because the catheter will likely be obstructed

Side Effects

• Local irritation, periocular erythema, lid spasm, eye-rubbing, alopecia, epiphora

Monitoring

• Use Schirmer tear test to assess adequate tear production

Client Information

• Use q12h

• Use proper administration techniques to avoid contamination of the medication

• Keep the cap tightly closed when not in use

• Wait 5 minutes after applying the medication before applying other eye medications

• Store the ointment in the refrigerator or at controlled room temperature; keep the solution at room temperature

Dosage Forms

• Cyclosporine 0.2% ophthalmic ointment

• Cyclosporine 1% to 2% ophthalmic solution may be prepared by compounding pharmacies 

Information about this drug was adapted from Plumb’s Veterinary Drugs. Subscribe for further details and more therapeutics.