How should I use cysteamine ophthalmic?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Do not take by mouth. Cysteamine ophthalmic is for use only in the eyes.
Cystaran is usually used once every hour while you are awake. Cystadrops are usually applied 4 times per day. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.
Do not use while wearing soft contact lenses. A preservative in this medicine could permanently stain the lenses. Use the medicine at least 15 minutes before inserting your contact lenses.
Wash your hands before using eye medication.
To apply the eye drops: Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye and squeeze a drop into this pocket. Close your eyes for 1 or 2 minutes.
Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed.
Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.
Storing cysteamine ophthalmic:
- Keep the bottle in the original carton.
- Store Cystaran in a freezer until you are ready to start using it. Thaw for 24 hours before your first use, then store the bottle tightly closed in a refrigerator or at room temperature. Do not refreeze after thawing.
- Store Cystadrops in a refrigerator. After first opening the bottle, store it in a refrigerator or at room temperature tightly closed and protected from light. Do not refrigerate after opening the bottle.
Throw the bottle away after 1 week of use, even if there is still medicine inside. If using Cystaran, remove a new bottle from the freezer in time to allow 24 hours for thawing so you will not miss a dose.