Cyclosporine
Also known as: Optimmune, Restasis, Atopica, Cyclavance, Modulis, Sporimmune
### Managing Your Pet's Dry Eye * **Patience is Key:** It can take **3 to 8 weeks** of consistent use before you see a dramatic improvement in tear production. Do not stop the medication early! * **Lifelong Therapy:** Dry eye (KCS) is usually a lifelong condition. If you stop applying the ointment, the dry eye symptoms will likely return within a few days. * **Application:** Apply a small strip (about 1/4 inch) of ointment directly to the eye. If you are also using artificial tears, apply the artificial tears first, wait 5-10 minutes, and then apply the cyclosporine ointment. * **Safety:** This medication is very safe for the eyes and does not cause the body-wide side effects that steroids can.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS)
- Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS)
- German Shepherd Pannus (chronic superficial keratitis)
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Mild ocular irritation upon application
- Aggravation of ophthalmic herpes virus infections (especially in cats)
Cautions & contraindications
- Feline keratoconjunctivitis sicca associated with active herpes virus infection
- Feline eosinophilic keratitis (historically, though newer evidence varies, the monograph notes it is not promising)
- > **Important:** Discontinuation of therapy usually results in the return of clinical signs of KCS within a few days. Use with caution in the face of ulcerative keratitis, although it is generally considered safe when concurrent antibiotic therapy is administered. Compounded formulations should be avoided if an approved commercial product (Optimmune) is available and effective.
Drug interactions
- Itraconazole: Inhibits cytochrome P450 metabolism of ciclosporin, increasing blood concentrations up to five-fold. Dose reduction (halving dose or doubling interval) is required.
- Ketoconazole: Inhibits cytochrome P450 metabolism of ciclosporin, significantly increasing blood concentrations.
- Diltiazem: Competitively inhibits enzymes involved in ciclosporin metabolism, increasing serum levels.
- Doxycycline: Inhibits enzymes involved in ciclosporin metabolism, increasing serum levels.
- Aminoglycosides: Increased risk of nephrotoxicity; concomitant use is not recommended.
- NSAIDs: Increased risk of nephrotoxicity; concomitant use is not recommended.
- Quinolones: Increased risk of nephrotoxicity; concomitant use is not recommended.
- Trimethoprim/Sulphonamides: Increased risk of nephrotoxicity; concomitant use is not recommended.
- ACE inhibitors: Increased risk of hyperkalaemia.
- Macrocyclic lactones (e.g., ivermectin, milbemycin): Ciclosporin inhibits MDR1 P-glycoprotein, decreasing the efflux of macrocyclic lactones from the blood-brain barrier, potentially resulting in CNS toxicity.
Frequently asked questions
What is Cyclosporine used for in pets?
### Managing Your Pet's Dry Eye * **Patience is Key:** It can take **3 to 8 weeks** of consistent use before you see a dramatic improvement in tear production. Do not stop the medication early! * **Lifelong Therapy:** Dry eye (KCS) is usually a lifelong condition. If you stop applying the ointment, the dry eye symptoms will likely return within a few days. * **Application:** Apply a small strip (about 1/4 inch) of ointment directly to the eye. If you are also using artificial tears, apply the artificial tears first, wait 5-10 minutes, and then apply the cyclosporine ointment. * **Safety:** This medication is very safe for the eyes and does not cause the body-wide side effects that steroids can.
Is Cyclosporine safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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