Cysteamine (Into the eye)
Cysteamine (sis-TEE-a-meen)
Treats cystine crystal buildup in the cornea (front part of the eye) of patients who have cystinosis.
Brand Name(s):
Cystadrops, Cystaran
There may be other brand names for this medicine.When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to cysteamine.How to Use This Medicine:
Liquid, Drop
- Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed. Use this medicine only in your eyes.
- Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
- Lie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.
- To use the eye drops: Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away. Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it. Always keep the container tightly closed after use.
- Remove your contact lenses before you use cysteamine eye drops. Wait at least 15 minutes after eye drop use to put the contact lenses back in. Talk to your eye doctor about this if you have questions.
- Missed dose: Apply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
- Store the new, unopened Cystadrops® bottle in its original carton in the refrigerator. After first opening, keep medicine at room temperature. Protect from light. Do not refrigerate after opening. Throw away any unused medicine after 7 days.
- Store the Cystaran bottle in its original carton in the freezer. Allow the bottle to thaw completely (about 24 hours) before use. You may store the thawed bottle in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Do not refreeze. Throw away any unused medicine after 7 days. Use a new bottle every week.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- Wait at least 10 minutes before using other eye products.
Warnings While Using This Medicine:
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have increased pressure in the head or a history of head injury.
- If you hurt your eye, develop an eye infection, or need to have eye surgery, talk with your doctor right away. You may need to change your medicine or stop using it.
- Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
- Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
- Blurred or change in vision, light sensitivity
- Eye pain, redness, itching, irritation, or swelling
- Headache
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
- Watering of the eyes
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088
Last Updated: 9/6/2024
