Description
Cyclosporine Ointment is a prescription eye medication used in dogs to help manage certain inflammatory eye conditions, including keratoconjunctivitis sicca, commonly called dry eye, and chronic superficial keratitis, a long-term inflammation of the cornea. It is typically prescribed when a veterinarian determines that immune-related inflammation is affecting tear production or the surface of the eye.
Cyclosporine belongs to a class of medicines called immunomodulators, which means it helps adjust an overactive immune response. When used in the eye, it may help improve natural tear production and reduce inflammation that can damage the cornea. Treatment response can vary, and some dogs may need ongoing therapy to keep symptoms controlled.
How is Cyclosporine Ointment different from artificial tears?
Artificial tears mainly add moisture to the eye surface for temporary relief. Cyclosporine Ointment works differently by targeting inflammation that may be reducing the eye’s ability to produce tears. Your veterinarian may recommend both products, but they do not serve the same purpose.
| Fact Table |
| Formula |
C62H111N11O12 |
| License |
US FDA |
| Bioavailability |
Minimal systemic absorption (ophthalmic) |
| Legal status |
Rx-only veterinary drug |
| Chemical Name |
Cyclosporine |
| Elimination half-life |
Not clinically applicable ophthalmically; systemic ~24 hours |
| Dosage (Strength) |
0.2% ophthalmic ointment (2 mg/g); 3.5 g tube |
| Pregnancy |
Safety not established; use under veterinary supervision |
| Brands |
Optimmune |
| Protein binding |
Approximately 90% |
| PubChem CID |
5284373 |
| MedlinePlus |
a604009 |
| ChEBI |
4031 |
| ATC code |
S01XA18 |
| DrugBank |
DB00091 |
| KEGG |
D00184 |
| Routes of administration |
Ophthalmic |
Directions
Use Cyclosporine Ointment exactly as prescribed by your veterinarian. It is usually applied directly to the affected eye or eyes every 12 hours, but your dog’s schedule may differ based on the condition being treated and their response to therapy.
Before applying the ointment, gently remove any discharge or debris from the eye area using a veterinarian-approved eye wash or cleaning method. Apply the prescribed amount of ointment inside the lower eyelid or onto the eye surface, taking care not to touch the tube tip to the eye, eyelid, fur, or fingers. Contaminating the tip may increase the risk of infection.
Continue treatment for as long as your veterinarian recommends. Dry eye and chronic corneal inflammation are often long-term conditions, and stopping treatment too soon may allow symptoms to return.
Should treatment stop once the eye looks better?
Do not stop Cyclosporine Ointment unless your veterinarian tells you to. A dog’s eye may look improved before the underlying condition is fully controlled. Your veterinarian may check tear production or examine the cornea before deciding whether the dose should change.
Ingredients
The active ingredient is cyclosporine.
Depending on the product, inactive ingredients may include an ophthalmic ointment base, such as petrolatum and oil-based carriers. Check the package or product label for the exact inactive ingredients in the specific Cyclosporine Ointment supplied.
Why can the ointment leave a temporary film on the eye?
Ointments are designed to stay on the eye surface longer than drops. This can cause a temporary greasy film or mild blurring after application. This effect is usually short-lived, but contact your veterinarian if your dog appears painful, keeps the eye closed, or has worsening redness after use.
Cautions
Cyclosporine Ointment is intended for ophthalmic use in dogs only. Do not use it in other animals or in people unless directed by a qualified healthcare professional.
Tell your veterinarian if your dog has a current eye infection, corneal ulcer, eye injury, recent eye surgery, or a history of sensitivity to eye medications. Your veterinarian should also know about any other eye drops, ointments, oral medications, or supplements your dog receives, as spacing between eye products may be required.
The safety of cyclosporine ophthalmic ointment may not be fully established in pregnant, breeding, or nursing dogs, depending on the product label. Use in these dogs should be based on your veterinarian’s benefit-risk assessment.
Wash your hands after applying the ointment. Avoid touching the tube tip to any surface, and keep the medication tightly closed when not in use. Store it according to the product label and keep it out of reach of children and pets.
What signs should prompt a veterinarian check during treatment?
Contact your veterinarian if your dog develops worsening redness, swelling, heavy discharge, eye cloudiness, persistent squinting, pawing at the eye, bleeding, sudden vision changes, or signs of pain. These symptoms may indicate infection, corneal damage, or another eye problem that needs prompt assessment.
Contraindications
Do not use Cyclosporine Ointment in dogs with known hypersensitivity or allergy to cyclosporine or any ingredient in the product.
Cyclosporine Ointment should not be used in eyes with active viral or fungal eye infections unless a veterinarian specifically determines it is appropriate. Because cyclosporine affects immune activity in the eye, an untreated infection may worsen if the medication is used incorrectly.
Can Cyclosporine Ointment be used if the eye has discharge?
Eye discharge can occur with dry eye, irritation, corneal injury, or infection. Thick yellow or green discharge, sudden pain, cloudiness, or severe squinting should be assessed by a veterinarian before treatment continues or starts. These signs may require a different medication or additional testing.
Side Effects
Possible side effects of Cyclosporine Ointment may include:
- Mild eye redness
- Temporary stinging or irritation after application
- Increased tearing
- Squinting or blinking
- Eyelid swelling or inflammation around the eye
- Eye discharge
- Rubbing or pawing at the treated eye
Less common but more concerning reactions may include severe eye pain, worsening inflammation, signs of allergy, or symptoms that suggest an eye infection or corneal injury.
Is mild irritation after application always a reason to stop treatment?
Mild, short-lived irritation can occur with some eye ointments. However, irritation that is severe, persistent, or getting worse should not be ignored. Contact your veterinarian before stopping or changing treatment, especially if your dog is being treated for dry eye or chronic corneal inflammation.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. Contact your veterinarian if you notice any persistent, worsening, or concerning effects while your dog is using Cyclosporine Ointment.
Buy Cyclosporine Ointment from Canada Pharmacy with a valid prescription from your veterinarian.
References
-
Merck Animal Health. OPTIMMUNE® Ophthalmic Ointment prescribing information.
-
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Animal Drugs @ FDA: Cyclosporine ophthalmic ointment product information.
-
Plumb’s Veterinary Drugs. Cyclosporine ophthalmic drug monograph. Clinician review recommended for final dosing and product-specific labeling.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Product Code : 15297
Prescription Required
