General Information on Optimmune
Optimmune is used for reducing inflammation in the eyes of dogs, including chronic superficial keratitis and keratoconjunctivitis sicca. The active ingredient in the medicine is Cyclosporine, along with petrolatum, lanolin oil, and corn oil.
You can buy Optimmune in the form of an ophthalmic ointment. It works by increasing production of tears in the dog’s eyes, which helps in decreasing irritation and inflammation. It also repairs damaged tear glands.
Side effects of Optimmune
You should not buy Optimmune if your dog is already suffering from a viral or fungal infection in the eye. Also do not use this medicine if your dog is allergic to it. Inform the veterinarian if your pet is breeding, nursing or pregnant, as special adjustments and precautions may be needed under such conditions.
Although there are no serious side effects of the medicine, your dog’s vision may become blurred for a couple of minutes after applying the ointment. Watch its activities during this time to make sure that it does not hurt itself while moving.
Sometimes, you may also notice tearing or discharge from your dog’s eye or some itching may also occur in the eye. There are usual side effects of the drug and have nothing to worry about. However, you should take your dog to the veterinarian if any of these conditions become too troublesome.
Optimmune is meant for ophthalmic use only. Do not apply it on your pet’s nose, ears or mouth. If this happens accidentally, wash the area thoroughly under running water. Take your pet to the veterinarian if it is extremely irritated or restless.
This medicine is not meant to be used by humans, even if the symptoms of the eye condition are exactly same. Store it in a separate place, so that you do not accidentally apply it in your eyes. Also keep it away from the reach of children.
Dosage of Optimmune
The veterinarian will advise you to apply ¼ inch strip of Optimmune ointment in the inner part of your dog’s lower eyelid. Do this after every 12 hours, twice in a day. Try to hold your pet’s eyelid shut and rub the eyelid gently so that the ointment can be circulated throughout the eye.
Before applying the medicine in your dog’s eye, make sure to clean your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Also remove any debris around your dog’s eye. Use a non-irritating solution to do this.
As the ointment is sterile, you should not let it touch any other surface, including your hands and the surface of your dog’s eye. If the cap and tube gets contaminated, it may lead to further infection in the eye.
Do not apply the medicine more than prescribed or for longer period of time. Use it exactly as prescribed by the veterinarian. Otherwise, it may lead to further complications and infections in the dog’s eye.
Drug Interactions of Optimmune
Inform the veterinarian if you are already applying any other eye drops or ointments in your dog’s eye. Based on this, he or she will be able to decide whether it is right medicine for your dog or not.
Pharmacist Notes: Ophthalmic Preparation for dogs
