Restasis (Cyclosporine)

What is Restasis?

Restasis or cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion is an immunomodulator eye drop having anti-inflammatory effects. Restasis comes from the class of medicines called immunosuppressants.

What is Restasis used for?

Restasis is prescribed for treating waterlessness in eyes. The drug is prescribed for curing the redness, dryness and irritation in the eyes.

How does Restasis work?

It is believed that Restasis benefits by increasing the tear production through mucin secreting goblin cells in people suffering from eye dryness and related problems.

How to use Restasis

Restasis comes in a vial, which should be inverted many times before use. Wait till it appears as a clear opaque and uniform emulsion. It is recommended to be used as one drop of the ophthalmic emulsion two times a day and the gap between two doses must be of at least 12 hours. The drops can be used along with artificial tears, with a time interval of 15 minutes between the two.

Restasis warnings and precautions

Restasis is for ophthalmic use only. It is highly advisable that you do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any other medicine before consulting your doctor. Patients with some specific conditions like herpes keratitis, pediatric and pregnancy need to be more cautious about the drug usage.

Also, patients already taking topical anti-inflammatory drugs and punctal plugs need special advice from the doctors before staring the drug usage.

People suffering from active ocular infections are also not suggested to use this medicine. The vial should be handled carefully and must be kept out of the reach of the children.

Do not touch the dropper as contaminated dropper can cause infection in the eye resulting in loss of vision or damage to the eye. Remember not to use the medicine while wearing contact lenses. Wait for at least 15 minutes before putting your lenses in the eyes.

What do I do if I have missed a Restasis dose?

If you have missed your Restasis dose, it is recommended not to take a double dose however, if there is sufficient time gap between two doses, you should apply your missed dose, whenever you remember it.

What do I do if I have taken a Restasis overdose?

If you have taken a Restasis overdose, you should splash your eyes with clean water. Contact your doctor or call an emergency room for advice.

Restasis interactions

Before taking this medicine, make sure that your doctor is fully aware of your medical history. Keep your physician updated with complete information regarding any other medication that you are taking and all the prescription and nonprescription products being used by you, while using Restasis, especially if you ever had herpes in either of the eyes.

Restasis side effects

The side effects of Restasis are not very severe if taken as per the prescription with all precautions, but burning, stinging, redness, pain, or itching of the eye are commonly reported, when used for the first time.

Also, problems like blurred vision and eye discharge can also possibly occur, while taking Restasis. If you are allergic to the medicine and take Restasis without proper suggestions and directions, some allergic reaction including rash, severe itching, swelling, dizziness can also be experienced. In some extreme cases if Restasis interferes with the respiratory system or is used by people suffering some respiratory disorders, the patient can also come across difficulty in breathing.