Topical cyclosporine is a medicine you put on the skin or eye surface instead of swallowing it. It’s an immunosuppressant, which means it calms down an over‑active immune response that can cause inflammation. Doctors usually prescribe it for dry‑eye disease, certain skin conditions like atopic dermatitis, and after corneal transplants to keep rejection at bay.
Unlike oral cyclosporine, the topical form stays mostly where you apply it, so you get fewer whole‑body effects. That makes it a popular choice when you need targeted relief without the hassle of blood‑level monitoring.
If you suffer from chronic dry eye that isn’t improving with artificial tears, an eye doctor may suggest cyclosporine eye drops (often sold under brand names). The drops help increase tear production by reducing inflammation on the eye’s surface. You’ll notice the difference after a few weeks, not instantly.
On the skin side, the cream or ointment works for eczema, psoriasis patches, or ulcerated areas that keep flaring up. It’s especially helpful when steroids start to cause thinning skin or other side effects. Your dermatologist will decide the strength based on how severe the rash is and where it’s located.
First, always follow the dosing schedule your doctor gave you. For eye drops, the typical dose is one drop in each eye twice a day. Make sure your hands are clean, tilt your head back, pull down the lower lid, and place the drop without touching the bottle to your eye.
For skin creams, apply a thin layer to the affected area once or twice daily, depending on the prescription. Rub it in gently; don’t leave a thick film because that can increase irritation. Wash your hands after applying, unless the hands are the treatment site.
Keep an eye (no pun intended) on side effects. In the eye, you might feel a mild burning or stinging when you first use the drops—usually it eases after a few days. If you get persistent redness, blurred vision, or pain, call your eye doctor. For skin, look out for itching, a rash that gets worse, or peeling. These could signal an allergic reaction, and you may need to stop using it and talk to your dermatologist.
Because cyclosporine can suppress immune activity, avoid using it on open wounds unless your doctor says it’s safe. Also, don’t share your medication with anyone else; what works for you might cause problems for another person.
Storage is simple: keep the drops in the refrigerator if the label says so, otherwise a cool, dry place is fine. Creams should stay at room temperature, away from direct sunlight.
If you miss a dose, just take the next one at its regular time—don’t double up. Consistency is key, especially for eye drops, because the medicine builds up its effect over weeks.
Finally, talk to your doctor about any other meds you’re using. Topical cyclosporine rarely interacts with other drugs, but it’s good practice to let the prescriber know about eye drops, steroids, or other skin creams you might be on.
Bottom line: topical cyclosporine can be a game‑changer for stubborn dry eye or skin inflammation when used correctly. Stick to the prescribed schedule, watch for side effects, and keep the lines of communication open with your healthcare provider for the best results.
Clear guide to topical cyclosporine for dry eye and more in 2025: how it works, who it helps, dosing, side effects, UK vs US options, costs, and practical tips.