Cyclosporine

Major Uses

Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressant drug that is most commonly used to treat autoimmune diseases, atopic dermatitis, perineal fistula, keratoconjunctivitis, and immune mediated hemolytic anemia. In some cases, Cyclosporine is used to prevent rejection after kidney or bone-marrow transplants.

Common Precautions

Side effects most commonly associated with Cyclosporine are diarrhea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

Cyclosporine should not be administered in animals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to the drug. Cyclosporine should not be used in animals with certain blood disorders, kidney impairment, or stomach ulcers. Long term use of this drug may increase the risk for certain cancers such a lymphoma. Cyclosporine may interact with other medications. This should be discussed with a veterinarian. Cyclosporine should be administered with caution in animals that are pregnant or nursing. Emergency veterinary care should be sought if an animal experiences any unusual symptoms.

Storage

Cyclosporine tablets, injection, and ophthalmic solution should be stored in a tight, light-resistant container and kept at room temperature.

Administration

Cyclosporine is available in 25 mg and 100 mg tablets, as an injectable, and as an ophthalmic preparation. Atopica is available in 10 mg, 25mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg tablets.

A typical dose range for Cyclosporine is 5 mg/kg (3.3-6.7 mg/kg) PO once daily for 30 days for the treatment of atopic dermatitis in dogs weighing at least 1.8 kg. Dose may vary in different species, when the drug is given by a different route or concurrently with other medications, and with regards to a patient's age, breed, and health status. A veterinarian's dosing instructions and/or those printed on the medication label should be followed closely.

If a dose is missed, it should be administered as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the subsequent dose, the missed dose should be skipped and the normal administration schedule resumed. Two doses of Cyclosporine should not be administered at the same time.