{"id":629822,"date":"2024-09-18T12:00:06","date_gmt":"2024-09-18T16:00:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=629822"},"modified":"2024-10-25T09:44:19","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T13:44:19","slug":"restasis-for-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/restasis-for-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"Restasis for dogs: Dosage and safety"},"content":{"rendered":"

Restasis (ophthalmic cyclosporine) is a prescription eye drop medication for humans with chronic dry eye disease. However, it was originally developed as a<\/span> veterinary eye ointment<\/span><\/a> for dogs with chronic dry eye disease. Veterinarians usually do not use Restasis in dogs because the dosage strength is too low. Instead, they use higher-strength, brand-name Optimmune eye ointment or generic eye drops. Cyclosporine is the active ingredient in Restasis, Optimmune, and the generic versions. It modulates the immune system response and reduces inflammation of the tear ducts. Ophthalmic cyclosporine is not a cure for chronic dry eye disease. Instead, it’s a lifelong supportive treatment that increases tear production to prevent permanent injury to the eye.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Save up to 80% on Restasis<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

What is Restasis used for in dogs?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Optimmune and other veterinary formulations of <\/span>Restasis<\/span><\/a> are used to treat chronic dry eye (chronic keratoconjunctivitis sicca, or KCS) and chronic superficial dry eye (chronic superficial keratitis, or CSK). <\/span><\/p>\n

Chronic dry eye<\/span><\/h3>\n

Chronic dry eye is swelling of the eye’s surface and the inner surface of the eyelids due to tear deficiency. <\/span><\/p>\n

Dry eye is a common problem in dogs. About <\/span>1 in 20 dogs<\/span><\/a> will have a problem with dry eye at least once, but most cases are temporary and mild. Some breeds are more genetically prone to dry eye than others, particularly Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, West Highland Terriers, and English Bulldogs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Veterinarians get involved when chronic dry eye does not improve or starts damaging the eye. Chronic dry eye is a significant condition that can result in permanent damage and blindness.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chronic dry eye has many causes, but the immune response plays a major role. One role it plays is causing tear ducts to swell, reducing tear output. It’s also a key driver of a cascade of causes called the “dry eye cycle.” <\/span><\/p>\n

Optimmune and other veterinary versions of Restasis help restore normal tear function. It’s only used when the disease has an inflammatory component. Ophthalmic cyclosporine may not help dogs with dry eyes due to other causes, such as infection. <\/span><\/p>\n

Although ophthalmic cyclosporine is effective—about <\/span>82%<\/span><\/a> of treated dogs will show improvement)—it is not a cure for chronic dry eye. Instead, it controls the problem and helps prevent permanent damage to the eye’s surface or the tear ducts. It’s usually a lifelong treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n

Don’t expect results right away. It may take <\/span>days or weeks<\/span><\/a> to notice improvements in the dog’s symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ophthalmic cyclosporine comes as an ointment or a suspension (eye drops). Some veterinarians may prescribe a combination eye drop with the immune suppressant <\/span>tacrolimus<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Brand-name Restasis is not used in dogs. The dosage strength is too low. A dog’s eye does not take up cyclosporine as efficiently as human eyes. While Restasis has a dosage strength of 0.05%, Optimmune for dogs has a dosage strength of 0.2%. Some compounded formulations of ophthalmic cyclosporine can have concentrations as high as 1% or 2%. <\/span><\/p>\n

Is Restasis safe for dogs?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Ophthalmic cyclosporine is safe for dogs, provided owners administer the ointment or eye drops correctly and avoid contaminating the bottle tip or the medicine.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ophthalmic cyclosporine is not safe to give to dogs that have had an allergic reaction to cyclosporine. Veterinarians will avoid using Restasis in dogs with viral or fungal eye infections, though such use is not strictly forbidden.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pet parents should be cautious about giving ophthalmic cyclosporine to dogs that are pregnant, nursing, or using any other immune-suppressing drug. Make sure the prescribing veterinarian knows about all the conditions the dog has and all the drugs the dog is taking.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ophthalmic cyclosporine may not be safe to give to puppies. <\/span><\/p>\n

Side effects of Restasis in dogs<\/span><\/h3>\n

The most common side effects of ophthalmic cyclosporine in dogs are:<\/span><\/p>\n