Cyclosporine Drops

Cyclosporine Eye Drops (Ophthalmic Solution)
Usage
Cyclosporine eye drops are a topical ophthalmic immunomodulator used to treat inflammatory conditions of the ocular surface, particularly those associated with reduced tear production.
They are commonly prescribed for:
• Dry eye disease (keratoconjunctivitis sicca)
• Inflammation of the ocular surface
• Chronic dry eye associated with autoimmune conditions (e.g., Sjögren’s syndrome)
• Other practitioner-directed ocular inflammatory conditions
Cyclosporine eye drops help improve tear production and ocular surface health.

Dosage
Dosage should be determined by the prescribing practitioner (ophthalmologist or optometrist).
Typical dosing considerations include:
• Instil one drop into the affected eye(s) twice daily (approximately 12 hours apart), or as directed
• Avoid touching the dropper tip to the eye or surrounding surfaces
• Contact lenses should generally be removed prior to instillation and may be reinserted after a suitable interval (e.g., 15 minutes)
Patients should follow the specific instructions provided by their healthcare provider.

Mechanisms of Action
Cyclosporine is a calcineurin inhibitor that reduces ocular surface inflammation.
Its mechanisms include:
Inhibition of calcineurin
Cyclosporine inhibits calcineurin activity in T-lymphocytes.
Reduction of T-cell activation
This decreases immune-mediated inflammation on the ocular surface.
Increased tear production
By reducing inflammation in the lacrimal glands, cyclosporine helps restore natural tear production.
Improvement of ocular surface integrity
Reduced inflammation supports healing and maintenance of the corneal and conjunctival surfaces.

Contraindications
Cyclosporine eye drops should not be used in patients with:
• Hypersensitivity to cyclosporine or any component of the formulation
• Active ocular infections (bacterial, viral, or fungal) unless appropriately treated

Precautions
Cyclosporine eye drops should be used with caution in patients with:
• Ocular infections or a history of recurrent eye infections
• Contact lens use, which may need to be managed during treatment
• Severe ocular surface disease, requiring specialist supervision
Additional considerations include:
• A temporary burning or stinging sensation may occur upon instillation
• Therapeutic effects may take several weeks to months to become apparent
• Avoid contamination of the dropper tip
• Use only as prescribed and avoid sharing the medication
Patients should seek medical advice if they experience persistent eye irritation, vision changes, or signs of infection.

Storage
• Store as directed by the pharmacy, typically below 25°C
• Some formulations may require refrigeration (2–8°C) depending on compounding instructions
• Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use
• Protect from light
• Do not freeze
• Discard after the recommended in-use period as indicated on the label
• Keep out of reach of children
Patients should follow the specific storage and expiry instructions provided on the dispensing label.