Ciclosporin
About Ciclosporin
Ciclosporin is a prescription eye drop used to treat a specific type of chronic dry eye condition known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca. It helps increase your eyes' natural ability to produce tears when inflammation decreases this production. By targeting the underlying cause of dryness, this medication offers relief from persistent eye discomfort.
For this medication to work effectively, you must use it consistently every day as prescribed by your doctor. Since these are eye drops, they do not interact with food, meaning you can use them at any time of day regardless of your meals. Making simple lifestyle adjustments, such as using a humidifier at home, wearing wrap-around sunglasses outdoors, and taking regular screen breaks, can further support your eye comfort.
When you first start using Ciclosporin, you might experience temporary mild side effects like a burning sensation or stinging in your eyes. These local reactions are common and often fade as your eyes adjust to the drops. However, if you experience severe eye pain, swelling of the eyelids, or changes in your vision, you should contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
Do not use this medicine if you have an active eye infection, as it can interfere with your body's ability to fight off the infection. Before starting treatment, tell your eye doctor if you have a history of herpes keratitis or other chronic eye conditions. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to ensure this treatment is safe and appropriate for your specific ocular history.
Because Ciclosporin is applied directly to the surface of the eye, very little of the medication enters your bloodstream, making interactions with oral medicines, alcohol, or smoking highly unlikely. However, you should still tell your doctor about all other eye drops you use to avoid wash-out effects or chemical interactions. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or are an elderly individual, consult your healthcare provider before beginning treatment.
Uses of Ciclosporin
Medicinal Benefits
Ciclosporin offers a more sustainable and long-term solution for dry eye disease. The following are the benefits of this medication:
- Increases your eyes' natural tear production, providing long-term relief from chronic dry eye.
- Reduces inflammation on the surface of the eyes, helping improve eye comfort.
- Relieves symptoms such as burning, grittiness, a sandy sensation, and eye irritation associated with dry eye disease.
- Improves eye moisture, making activities such as reading, using a computer, and driving more comfortable.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding the dosage and duration.
- Gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a pocket. Instill the prescribed number of drops into your eye, and close your eyes for 1-2 minutes to allow the medication to be absorbed.
- Do not touch the dropper tip to your eye or any surface to avoid contamination.
Storage
Side Effects of Ciclosporin
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Temporary burning or stinging in the eye immediately after application
- Mild eye redness or bloodshot appearance
- Watery eyes or increased tearing
- Mild blurred vision shortly after putting in the drops
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away):
- Severe eye pain, swelling, or extreme itching
- Signs of an eye infection, such as pus, thick discharge, or extreme crusting of the eyelids
- Sudden or worsening changes in your vision that do not clear up
- Swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, or difficulty breathing (signs of an allergic reaction)
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Check the Solution: Always inspect the vial or bottle before use; the liquid should be a uniform, white, opaque emulsion. Do not use if the liquid is discoloured, clear, or contains visible clumps or particles.
- Avoid Contamination: Never touch the dropper tip to your eye, fingers, or any surface, as this can easily introduce bacteria and lead to serious eye infections.
- Remove Contact Lenses First: Always remove contact lenses before using Ciclosporin because the preservatives or the emulsion itself can damage or stick to the lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes before putting your lenses back in.
- Space Out Other Eye Drops: If you use other eye drops or ointments, wait at least 15 minutes between using Ciclosporin and your other eye products to prevent the second drop from washing out the first.
- Do Not Share Your Drops: To prevent the spread of infections, never share your prescription eye drops with anyone else, even if they have similar dry eye symptoms.
Drug Interactions
- Other ophthalmic medications (e.g., steroid eye drops, glaucoma eye drops): Although Ciclosporin has very low absorption into the body, using it with other eye drops requires careful timing. Instilling multiple eye drops at the same time may cause one medication to wash out the other, so they should be administered at least 15 minutes apart.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is not known whether alcohol interacts with Ciclosporin. However, as a precautionary measure, it is advisable not to consume or limit alcohol.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorIf you are pregnant, please consult your doctor before using Ciclosporin. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorPlease consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this; your doctor will decide whether Ciclosporin can be used by breastfeeding mothers or not.
Driving
unsafeCiclosporin may temporarily blur your vision. So, avoid driving or operating machinery until your vision is clear.
Liver
consult your doctorPlease consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns before using Ciclosporin.
Kidney
consult your doctorPlease consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns before using Ciclosporin.
Children
unsafeCiclosporin is not recommended for use in children below 16 years as the safety and efficacy have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support overall hydration, which directly helps maintain the moisture levels in your eyes.
- Protect Your Eyes from Wind and Air: Wear wrap-around sunglasses when outdoors, and avoid directing fans, car vents, or air conditioners directly toward your face.
- Practice the 20-20-20 Rule: When using computers, phones, or reading, look away every 20 minutes at an object 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to prevent eye strain and dry eye flare-ups.
- Use a Humidifier: Add moisture to the air in your home or office, especially during winter or in dry climates, to slow down the evaporation of your natural tears.
- Eat Omega-3 Rich Foods: Incorporate foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds, into your diet, as some evidence suggests they may help support tear quality.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Dry eyes: Dry eye is a common eye condition that occurs when the natural tears are unable to provide ample lubrication for the eyes. The tearing instability leads to inflammation and damage to the eye surface. The dry eye could be caused by disruption of the healthy tear film due to autoimmune disease, hormonal changes, or inflamed eyelid glands. Symptoms include a burning sensation, sensitivity to light, eye redness, a sensation of having something in your eyes, watery eyes, and blurred vision.
FAQs
Ciclosporin is used to increase tear production in people with dry eyes due to ocular inflammation associated with keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eyes).
Ciclosporin allows tear production by decreasing inflammation/swelling in the eye. Thereby reducing discomfort and keeping the eyes lubricated.
Ciclosporin might temporarily cause blurred vision immediately after use. So, do not drive or operate machinery immediately after using Ciclosporin; wait until your vision is clear to prevent any mishappening.
Do not wear contact lenses while using Ciclosporin. Remove contact lenses before using Ciclosporin and reinsert after 15 minutes of using Ciclosporin.
Ciclosporin can be used with other eye medications if prescribed by the doctor. Maintain a gap of 15-20 minutes between Ciclosporin and other eye medications.
To treat your condition effectually, use Ciclosporin for as long as your doctor has prescribed. Talk to your doctor if you experience any difficulty while using Ciclosporin.
A temporary burning or stinging sensation is the most common side effect when first applying these drops. It is usually a local reaction as the solution spreads across a dry, inflamed ocular surface. This sensation typically lessens over time as your eyes adjust to the medication, but if the burning becomes severe or does not go away, talk to your doctor.
No, Ciclosporin is not a steroid. It belongs to a class of medications called immunomodulators, which work by targeting specific immune cells to reduce inflammation without the long-term side effects associated with steroid eye drops, such as increased eye pressure. For more details on your treatment plan, talk to your doctor.
Yes, you can use artificial tears to find temporary relief while Ciclosporin is working to increase your natural tears. However, you should wait at least 15 minutes between using Ciclosporin and any other over-the-counter eye drops to ensure both medications work effectively. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about which artificial tears are best for you.
If your symptoms do not improve after several months of regular, daily use, do not stop using the medication on your own. It can take up to six months to see the full clinical benefits of the therapy. Schedule an appointment to talk to your doctor so they can evaluate your progress and adjust your treatment if necessary.
No, Ciclosporin does not permanently cure chronic dry eye, as it is typically a long-term, ongoing condition. Instead, it manages and controls the inflammation that causes dry eyes, helping your eyes produce tears as long as you continue using the medication. If you stop using it, the inflammation and dry eye symptoms are likely to return, so talk to your doctor before making any changes.
The amount of medicine absorbed into your body from these eye drops is extremely low, but its safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding has not been fully established. It is important to weigh the benefits and risks with a professional. Before starting or continuing this medication, talk to your doctor.
