Cysteamine (Into the eye)
sis-TEE-a-meen
Treats cystine crystal buildup in the cornea of patients who have cystinosis.
Drug classes
Ophthalmologic Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Cysteamine eye drops is used to treat cystine crystal buildup in the cornea (front part of the eye) of patients with cystinosis. Cystinosis is a hereditary disorder that causes an accumulation of the amino acid cystine within cells, forming crystals that can build up and damage the eyes. This medicine works by removing the extra cystine from the cornea.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
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.
If a dose is missed:
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.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
Store the 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.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine container and any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
When Not To Use
Do not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to cysteamine.
Warnings
Make sure your doctor knows 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.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
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
Frequent headache, especially if every day
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Blurred vision, light sensitivity, eye pain, redness in the eyes
Mild headache
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.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Cystaran
There may be other brand names for this medicine.