Restasis (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion) is a prescription drug that’s used to treat dry eye syndrome. The drug comes as an emulsion (oily liquid). You usually apply 1 drop into each affected eye two times daily.
Restasis is used in adults and children ages 16 years and older to treat dry eye syndrome.
The active ingredient in Restasis is cyclosporine. Restasis belongs to a group of drugs called calcineurin inhibitors, which is a type of immunosuppressant.
“Restasis” and “Restasis MultiDose” are the same product, but the number of doses in each product differs. In this article, “Restasis” refers to both products unless noted otherwise.
This article describes the dosage of Restasis, as well as its strength and how to apply it. To learn more about Restasis, see this in-depth article.
This section describes the usual dosages of Restasis. Keep reading for more details about Restasis’s dosage.
What is Restasis’s form?
Restasis is available as an emulsion, which is an oily liquid. You apply it as an eye drop.
Restasis and Restasis MultiDose have the same form, but the number of doses in each product differs. The form your doctor prescribes determines how many times you use a vial or bottle of Restasis. Restasis vials are for a single use, and Restasis MultiDose bottles are for multiple doses.
What strength does Restasis come in?
Restasis comes in one strength of 0.5 milligrams per milliliter of solution (mg/mL). This strength is also referred to as 0.05%.
What is the usual dosage of Restasis in adults?
The information below describes the dosage that is commonly used or recommended. But be sure to use the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for dry eye syndrome
The typical Restasis dosage for adults with dry eye syndrome is 1 drop into each affected eye two times daily. You’ll want to apply each dose around 12 hours apart.
Some people use certain anti-inflammatory eye drops or punctal plugs. Based on Restasis studies and Restasis MultiDose studies, these treatments didn’t provide much improvement in dry eye when also using Restasis. In this case, their doctor may prescribe another treatment besides Restasis.
What’s the dosage of Restasis for children?
Restasis is used to help treat dry eye syndrome in children ages 16 years and older.
The dosage used in children is the same as the dosage for adults. To learn more, see the “What is the usual dosage of Restasis in adults?” section above.
For more information about Restasis’s dosage for children, talk with your child’s doctor or a pharmacist.
Is Restasis used long term?
Yes, Restasis is usually used as a long-term treatment. You and your doctor can discuss whether it’s safe and effective for your condition. If you agree that it is, you’ll likely use it long term.
Restasis is an emulsion. This is an oily liquid that you apply into each affected eye as an eye drop.
Some people also use lubricating eye drops or artificial tears. If you do, you’ll need to space them apart from Restasis eye drops. Make sure to allow 15 minutes between applying Restasis and the other eye drops.
If you wear contacts, remove them before you apply Restasis. After applying Restasis, wait 15 minutes before reinserting your contacts.
Do not touch the tip of the vial or bottle to your eye or any other surface. Doing so could increase your risk of injuring or irritating your eye. It also could contaminate the drug.
If you’re prescribed Restasis MultiDose, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for setting up the bottle for use.
Do not use more Restasis than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.
What to do in case you use too much Restasis
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve used too much Restasis. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Or go to the nearest emergency room.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.