Cyclosporine 1% / 2% (fortified) Eye Drops: Uses, Brands & Dosage

Cyclosporine 1% / 2% (fortified) eye drops are a powerful, hospital-prepared medicine used to calm severe immune reactions in the eye.

Drug class	Calcineurin Inhibitor (Topical)
Type	Single
Forms	Eye Drop
Common strength	1% / 2%
Common Indian brands	Prepared in hospital pharmacy (castor oil base)
Prescription status	Prescription (hospital-prepared)

What Cyclosporine 1% / 2% (fortified) is used for

Cyclosporine 1% / 2% (fortified) eye drops are a special type of medicine used to treat severe eye conditions. These drops are prescribed by eye specialists for specific, serious problems affecting the eye’s surface or after certain eye surgeries. The conditions it is used for include:

Severe Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis (VKC): This is a chronic allergic eye condition, often seen in children, that can cause significant discomfort, inflammation, and sometimes damage to the cornea (the clear front part of the eye).
High-risk Corneal Graft: After a corneal transplant, there is a risk that the body’s immune system might reject the new cornea. These drops can help reduce this risk, especially in cases where rejection is more likely.
Severe Ocular Surface Immune Disease: This refers to a range of serious conditions where the immune system attacks the surface of the eye, leading to significant inflammation and potential damage.

This medicine is typically used when other treatments haven’t been effective enough, or when there’s a need for a stronger immune-calming effect to protect the eye.

How it works

Cyclosporine 1% / 2% (fortified) is an ‘immunomodulator,’ specifically a ‘Calcineurin Inhibitor.’ In simpler terms, it’s a powerful medicine designed to calm down an overactive immune system in the eye. When your immune system is too active, it can cause inflammation and damage, as seen in conditions like severe VKC or in cases of corneal graft rejection. This medicine works by suppressing certain parts of the immune response, helping to reduce inflammation and protect the eye from further harm. Because it is a ‘fortified’ preparation, it means it is a higher-strength immune-calming drop, specifically formulated for severe diseases where a stronger effect is needed.

How it’s used

Cyclosporine 1% / 2% (fortified) eye drops are a prescription medicine and should only be used exactly as directed by your eye specialist. The typical dosing involves instilling 1 drop into the affected eye(s) 2 to 4 times a day. However, your doctor will determine the precise frequency and duration of treatment based on your specific condition and how you respond to the medicine.

It’s crucial to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Do not change the dose or stop using the drops without consulting your specialist, even if your symptoms seem to improve. This medicine is prepared in a hospital pharmacy and is meant for specific, supervised use.

Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.

Brands available in India

Prepared in hospital pharmacy (castor oil base)

Brand availability and pricing vary; confirm with your pharmacist.

Please note

Powerful medicine that suppresses the immune system. Screening for tuberculosis and hepatitis is usually required before starting, and it raises the risk of infection. Used only under specialist supervision with regular monitoring. This is given only by specialists in a hospital or clinic setting and is never for self-use.

Precautions & side effects

Cyclosporine 1% / 2% (fortified) is a powerful medicine that requires careful use and close supervision by an eye specialist. Here are important precautions to be aware of:

Hospital-Prepared Medicine: These drops are specially prepared in a hospital pharmacy, often using a castor oil base. This ensures the specific strength and formulation needed for severe conditions.
Immune System Suppression: This medicine works by suppressing your immune system. While this is beneficial for calming eye inflammation, it also means there’s an increased risk of infections.
Screening Required: Before starting this treatment, your doctor will usually require screening tests for conditions like tuberculosis and hepatitis. This is to ensure that suppressing your immune system does not worsen any underlying, undetected infections.
Specialist Supervision and Monitoring: Due to its powerful nature and potential side effects, this medicine is used only under the strict supervision of an eye specialist. Regular monitoring will be necessary to check your progress and detect any potential issues early.
Not for Self-Use: This medicine is given only by specialists in a hospital or clinic setting and is never for self-use. Do not share this medicine with others, and do not use it for conditions other than those for which it was prescribed.
Reducing Steroid Dependence: In children with severe Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis (VKC), this medicine is often used to help reduce their dependence on steroid eye drops, which can have their own set of long-term side effects.

Always discuss any concerns or questions you have with your eye specialist. They are the best resource for understanding the risks and benefits of this treatment in your specific situation.

Understanding Severe Eye Conditions and Your Treatment

At Pristine Eye Hospitals, we understand that dealing with severe eye conditions can be concerning. Conditions like Severe Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis (VKC), high-risk corneal grafts, and severe ocular surface immune diseases are serious and require specialized care. Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a chronic allergic eye condition, predominantly affecting children and young adults, especially in warmer climates like India. It causes intense itching, redness, light sensitivity, and a thick, stringy discharge. In severe cases, it can lead to corneal ulcers and vision impairment. A corneal graft, or corneal transplant, is a surgical procedure to replace a damaged or diseased cornea with healthy donor tissue. In some cases, especially if there were previous rejections or other risk factors, the body’s immune system might try to reject the new cornea. Severe ocular surface immune diseases encompass various conditions where the immune system mistakenly attacks the surface of the eye, leading to chronic inflammation, pain, and potential vision loss. Your doctor has prescribed Cyclosporine 1% / 2% (fortified) eye drops because it is a powerful medicine specifically designed to manage the severe inflammation and immune response associated with these conditions. It works by calming down the immune system in your eye, helping to reduce symptoms, prevent damage, and improve the overall health of your eye. It’s important to remember that this is a specialized treatment, and your eye specialist will guide you through every step of its use.

Correct Eye Drop Instillation and General Hygiene

Properly instilling eye drops is crucial for the medicine to work effectively and to prevent contamination. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling eye drops. Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper bottle upside down with the tip pointing towards your eye. Avoid touching the dropper tip to your eye, eyelid, or any other surface, as this can contaminate the medicine. Gently squeeze the bottle to release one drop into the pocket you created. Close your eye gently for a minute or two, without squeezing tightly, to allow the medicine to be absorbed. You can also press lightly on the inner corner of your eye (near your nose) to help prevent the medicine from draining into your tear duct and body. If you need to use more than one type of eye drop, wait at least 5-10 minutes between different medications to ensure each drop has enough time to be absorbed. After use, replace the cap tightly. Always store your eye drops as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist, usually at room temperature away from direct sunlight and heat. Never use eye drops that have changed color, become cloudy, or have passed their expiry date. Good hygiene is paramount to prevent eye infections, especially when using medicines that affect the immune system. Avoid rubbing your eyes, and if you wear contact lenses, your doctor will advise you on when and if you can wear them during treatment. Typically, it’s best to avoid wearing contact lenses while using eye drops, or at least remove them before instilling the drops and wait for a recommended period before reinserting them.

When to Seek Medical Help

While Cyclosporine 1% / 2% (fortified) is an effective treatment, it’s important to be vigilant and know when to contact your eye specialist. Because this medicine works by suppressing the immune system, there is a slightly increased risk of developing an infection. You should immediately contact Pristine Eye Hospitals or your eye specialist if you experience any signs of a new eye infection, such as increased redness, pain, swelling, discharge, or a sudden worsening of your vision. Also, report any new or unusual symptoms, persistent irritation, or if your existing symptoms do not improve or worsen despite using the drops as prescribed. If you experience any signs of a general infection, such as fever, chills, or unusual tiredness, you should also inform your doctor, as this medicine can affect your body’s overall immune response. Remember, this is a powerful medicine used under specialist supervision, and regular follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor your progress and adjust treatment if necessary. Do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare team with any questions or concerns; your well-being is our priority.

Frequently asked questions

What is Cyclosporine 1% / 2% (fortified) eye drop used for?

Cyclosporine 1% / 2% (fortified) eye drops are used to treat severe eye conditions such as severe Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis (VKC), to prevent rejection in high-risk corneal grafts, and for severe ocular surface immune diseases. It is a powerful medicine prescribed by specialists for serious inflammation.

How does Cyclosporine 1% / 2% (fortified) eye drop work?

This medicine is an immunomodulator, specifically a calcineurin inhibitor. It works by calming down an overactive immune system in the eye, which helps to reduce severe inflammation and protect the eye from damage in conditions where the immune system is causing problems.

What are the common brands of Cyclosporine 1% / 2% (fortified) eye drops available in India?

Cyclosporine 1% / 2% (fortified) eye drops are not available under specific commercial brands. They are specially prepared in hospital pharmacies, often with a castor oil base, for specific patient needs.

How should I use Cyclosporine 1% / 2% (fortified) eye drops?

You should use 1 drop in the affected eye(s) 2 to 4 times a day, or exactly as prescribed by your eye specialist. It is crucial to follow your doctor's instructions precisely and not to change the dose or stop the medicine without consulting them.

Do I need a prescription for Cyclosporine 1% / 2% (fortified) eye drops?

Yes, Cyclosporine 1% / 2% (fortified) eye drops are a prescription-only medicine. They are prepared in a hospital pharmacy and are only given by specialists in a hospital or clinic setting, never for self-use.

What are the key precautions I should be aware of when using this medicine?

This is a powerful medicine that suppresses the immune system, so it increases the risk of infection. Screening for tuberculosis and hepatitis is usually required before starting. It is used only under specialist supervision with regular monitoring and is never for self-use. You should report any signs of new infection or unusual symptoms to your doctor immediately.

References

Medically reviewed by Dr. C Jagadesh Reddy, Chief Surgeon: Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery — last reviewed 2026-07-28.

This page is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. Always consult a qualified ophthalmologist before starting, changing or stopping any eye medicine.