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Overview: Cysteamine ophthalmic is an eye drop that is used to treat eye symptoms caused by a rare, inherited disorder called cystinosis. People with this disorder have high levels of cystine, which can form crystals in the eye. Cysteamine ophthalmic works by changing cystine to another substance that can be cleared from the eyes, which helps prevent crystals from forming. Common side effects include headache, watery eyes, vision changes, and pain, discomfort, irritation, itching, or redness of the eye.

Uses

What is cysteamine ophthalmic (eye) used for?

Cysteamine ophthalmic is used to treat eye issues caused by a rare, inherited disorder called cystinosis.

Cysteamine ophthalmic may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

See also: Cysteamine

How does cysteamine ophthalmic work (mechanism of action)?

People with a rare, inherited condition called cystinosis have too much cystine (an amino acid) in their bodies. When cystine levels get too high, it forms crystals in the eyes and other organs, causing serious health effects. Cysteamine ophthalmic works by changing cystine to another substance that can be cleared from the eyes, which helps stop crystals from forming.

How is cysteamine ophthalmic supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Cystadrops
  • Cystaran

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.37% ophthalmic solution (eye drop)
  • 0.44% ophthalmic solution (eye drop)

How should I store cysteamine ophthalmic?

Eye Drop (0.37%). An unopened bottle of cysteamine ophthalmic 0.37% should be stored in a refrigerator between 36 F and 46 F (2 C and 8 C). Once the bottle is opened, it should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). Keep the bottle in its outer carton to protect it from light. Do not refrigerate cysteamine ophthalmic 0.37% after you have opened it. The bottle is good for seven days (one week) after it is opened. Throw away the bottle after seven days, even if there is medicine left in the bottle.

Eye Drop (0.44%). An unopened bottle of cysteamine ophthalmic 0.44% should be stored in a freezer between -13 F and 5 F (-25 C and -15 C) in the original carton. When you are ready to open the bottle, remove it from the freezer and allow it to thaw for 24 hours. Once the bottle is thawed, it can be stored at room temperature or in a refrigerator, between 36 F and 77 F (2 C and 25 C), for up to seven days (one week). Do not put it back in the freezer after thawing. Throw away the bottle after seven days, even if there is medicine left in the bottle.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of cysteamine ophthalmic?

The most common side effects of cysteamine ophthalmic are listed below. These side effects may vary, depending on which form of cysteamine ophthalmic you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Eye pain, discomfort, irritation, itching, or redness
  • Vision changes, including blurred vision
  • Watery eyes
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Headache

There may be other side effects of cysteamine ophthalmic that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of cysteamine ophthalmic?

While less common, the most serious side effects of cysteamine ophthalmic are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Cysteamine ophthalmic may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using cysteamine ophthalmic and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Increased Pressure Around the Brain. Cysteamine ophthalmic may increase the pressure around the brain, a serious condition called pseudotumor cerebri (or increased intracranial pressure). This may be more likely to happen in people who are also taking cysteamine by mouth. Stop using all forms of cysteamine and call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Dizziness
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Severe headache
  • Vision changes

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use cysteamine ophthalmic?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use cysteamine ophthalmic.

  • Cystadrops
  • Cystaran
  • Cysteamine
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific cysteamine ophthalmic products they stock.

What should I know about cysteamine ophthalmic before using it?

Do not use cysteamine ophthalmic unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share cysteamine ophthalmic with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep cysteamine ophthalmic out of the reach of children. Since this medicine should be kept in a refrigerator or freezer until it is opened, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator or freezer.

Unopened bottles of cysteamine ophthalmic must be stored under special conditions until you are ready to use them. A new bottle should be opened each week. Once a bottle has been opened, it must be thrown away after seven days, even if there is medicine left in the bottle. Read the instructions carefully and speak with a pharmacist if you are unsure how to store your medicine.

Wash your hands well before applying cysteamine ophthalmic. The medicine should only be applied to the surface of the eye. Do not touch the tip of the dropper to your eye or any other surface, including your finger. Re-cap the bottle and keep it tightly closed when it is not in use. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure how to use cysteamine ophthalmic.

Cysteamine ophthalmic should not be used while wearing contact lenses. Wait 15 minutes after using cysteamine ophthalmic to put your contact lenses back into your eyes.

If you use other eye drops, wait at least 10 minutes between applying cysteamine ophthalmic and another eye drop. If you use an eye ointment, use the ointment last, after all eye drops have been used.

What should I tell my health care provider before using cysteamine ophthalmic?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if cysteamine ophthalmic is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how cysteamine ophthalmic could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if cysteamine ophthalmic passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does cysteamine ophthalmic interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between cysteamine ophthalmic and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect cysteamine ophthalmic.

Does cysteamine ophthalmic interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between cysteamine ophthalmic and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much cysteamine ophthalmic?

If you or someone else has used too much cysteamine ophthalmic, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of cysteamine ophthalmic?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.