Eye drops with Ciclosporin A

Eye drops with Ciclosporin A are used for severe inflammation of the eyes. Ciclosporin reduces the immune response in the eye, producing fewer inflammatory substances and thus reducing potential eye damage. For particularly severe inflammation of the cornea with dry eyes, these eye drops are considered the first choice.

Ciclosporin A can also be used for endogenous uveitis (inflammation of the eye). It is either taken systemically in the form of tablets or as an active ingredient in the eye drops directly into the eyes. Often the therapy with the eye drops with Ciclosporin A is sufficient, if they are dripped into the eyes once a day before sleeping.

Since the eyes are then closed for several hours and are not strained, the eye drops can have a particularly good effect. Contraindications for eye drops with Ciclosporin A are in case of allergy or hypersensitivity to the active substance. Furthermore, the eye drops must not be used at the same time as preparations containing cortisone. Even if there is a possibility of infection in the eye, they must not be used because the body is prevented from fighting the pathogens by the active substance. Side effects of eye drops are eye pain and increased tearing of the eyes.

Dosages

Ciclosporin A is available in different dosages. The typical tablet doses are 25 mg, 50 mg or 100 mg. After a transplantation a dosage of 10 to 15 mg per kilogram of body weight per day should be taken. Usually, half the amount is taken in the morning and the other half in the evening.

However, if administered through the vein, a dosage of 3 to 5 mg per kg body weight is usually sufficient. After a period of 2 weeks the dose can be reduced slightly depending on the response of the immune system. In autoimmune diseases, the daily dose is usually somewhat lower, with a target dose of 5 mg per kg body weight per day. To obtain the ideal amount of the active substance in the body, regular measurements of the drug level (i.e. the concentration in the blood) are necessary.