Cyclosporine+benzalkonium Chloride
About Cyclosporine+benzalkonium Chloride
Benzalkonium Chloride+cyclosporine is used to increase tear production in people with dry eyes, which has not improved despite treatment with artificial tears or tear substitutes. Benzalkonium Chloride+cyclosporine is also used to treat severe keratitis (inflammation of the cornea). Dry eye is a common eye condition that occurs when your tears are unable to provide ample lubrication for the eyes.
Benzalkonium Chloride+cyclosporine is a combination of two drugs: Cyclosporine and Benzalkonium chloride. Cyclosporine allows tear production by decreasing inflammation/swelling in the eye. Thus, it reduces discomfort and keeps the eyes lubricated. Benzalkonium chloride acts as a preservative. Together, Benzalkonium Chloride+cyclosporine helps in treating dry eyes.
You are advised to use Benzalkonium Chloride+cyclosporine for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience certain common side effects, such as pain, irritation, blurred vision, and redness of the eye. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Talk to your doctor if you have an eye infection before using Benzalkonium Chloride+cyclosporine. Avoid using Benzalkonium Chloride+cyclosporine if you are pregnant. Consult your doctor before using Benzalkonium Chloride+cyclosporine if you are breastfeeding. Benzalkonium Chloride+cyclosporine is not recommended for children below 18 years. Inform your doctor if you are taking any prescription, non-prescription drugs or herbal products.
Uses of Cyclosporine+benzalkonium Chloride
Medicinal Benefits
Benzalkonium Chloride+cyclosporine consists of Cyclosporine and Benzalkonium chloride. Benzalkonium Chloride+cyclosporine belongs to a group of medicines called immunomodulators used to increase tear production in people with dry eyes, which has not improved despite treatment with artificial tears or tear substitutes. Benzalkonium Chloride+cyclosporine is also used to treat severe keratitis (inflammation of the cornea). Cyclosporine allows tear production by decreasing inflammation/swelling in the eye. Thus, it reduces discomfort and keeps the eyes lubricated. Benzalkonium chloride acts as a preservative. Together, Benzalkonium Chloride+cyclosporine helps in treating dry eyes.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Cyclosporine+benzalkonium Chloride
- Pain
- Irritation
- Blurred vision
- Redness of the eye
- Watery eyes
- Itching in the eye
- Swelling of the eyelid
Drug Warnings
Do not use Benzalkonium Chloride+cyclosporine if you are allergic to any of its components, if you have/had cancer in or around the eye, or if you have an eye infection. Inform your doctor if you had an eye infection by a herpes virus that might have damaged the cornea; if you are taking any medicines containing steroids or for treating glaucoma. Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Avoid using Benzalkonium Chloride+cyclosporine if you are pregnant. Benzalkonium Chloride+cyclosporine is not recommended for children below 18 years.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Benzalkonium Chloride+cyclosporine may interact with steroids and anti-glaucoma medicines.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have eye cancer or eye infection.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is not known whether Benzalkonium Chloride+cyclosporine interacts with alcohol. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
unsafeBenzalkonium Chloride+cyclosporine is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Women of child-bearing potential must use effective contraception while using Benzalkonium Chloride+cyclosporine. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this.
Breast Feeding
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this; your doctor will decide whether Benzalkonium Chloride+cyclosporine can be used by breastfeeding mothers or not.
Driving
cautionBenzalkonium Chloride+cyclosporine may temporarily blur your vision. So, avoid driving or operating machinery until your vision is clear.
Liver
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding the usage of Benzalkonium Chloride+cyclosporine in patients with kidney impairment.
Children
unsafeBenzalkonium Chloride+cyclosporine should not be used in children below 18 years.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
Wash your hands regularly. Avoid touching the eyes with dirty hands.
Avoid rubbing the eyes.
Avoid sharing eye-makeup such as eyeliner, mascara or kohl.
Always use clean towels or tissues to wipe your eyes and face.
Regularly wash and change the pillowcases.
If you wear contact lenses: Clean and replace contact lens more often. Never share contact lens. Always remember to wash your hands prior to inserting the contact lens.
Avoid staring at digital screens for longer durations. Rest your eyes for every 20 minutes.
Blink regularly as it helps in the spread of hydrating substances such as mucus and tears across the eyes.
Special Advise
Women of child-bearing potential must use effective contraception while using Benzalkonium Chloride+cyclosporine.
Do not touch the tip of the container to the eye, eyelids or surrounding areas as it may contaminate Benzalkonium Chloride+cyclosporine
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Dry eyes: Dry eye is a common eye condition that occurs when your tears are unable to provide ample lubrication for the eyes. The tearing instability leads to inflammation and damage to the eye surface. The dry eye could be caused by disruption of the healthy tear film due to autoimmune disease, hormonal changes, or inflamed eyelid glands. Symptoms include a burning sensation, sensitivity to light, eye redness, a sensation of having something in your eyes, watery eyes, and blurred vision.
FAQs
Benzalkonium Chloride+cyclosporine is used to increase tear production in people with dry eyes, which has not improved despite treatment with artificial tears or tear substitutes. It is also used to treat severe keratitis (inflammation of the cornea).
Benzalkonium Chloride+cyclosporine contains Cyclosporine and Benzalkonium chloride. Cyclosporine allows tear production by decreasing inflammation/swelling in the eye. Thereby, reduces discomfort and keeps the eyes lubricated. Benzalkonium chloride acts as a preservative. Together, Benzalkonium Chloride+cyclosporine helps in treating dry eyes.
Benzalkonium Chloride+cyclosporine might temporarily cause blurred vision immediately after using. So, do not drive or operate machinery immediately after using Benzalkonium Chloride+cyclosporine; wait until your vision is clear to prevent any mishappening.
Do not wear contact lens while using Benzalkonium Chloride+cyclosporine. Remove contact lenses before using Benzalkonium Chloride+cyclosporine and reinsert after 15 minutes of using Benzalkonium Chloride+cyclosporine. Talk to your doctor about using contact lens if you have a dry eye condition.
Benzalkonium Chloride+cyclosporine can be used with other eye medications if prescribed by the doctor. Maintain a gap of 15-20minutes between Benzalkonium Chloride+cyclosporine and other eye medications.
To treat your condition effectually, use Benzalkonium Chloride+cyclosporine for as long as your doctor has prescribed. If you stop using Benzalkonium Chloride+cyclosporine, the inflammation of the cornea might not be controlled, and it could lead to impaired vision. Talk to your doctor if you experience any difficulty while using Benzalkonium Chloride+cyclosporine.
Lie down and tilt your head backwards. Pull your lower eyelid gently with your index finger to form a pocket. Instil the number of drops advised by the doctor into the pocket of the lower eyelid. Close your eyes for 1-2 minutes. Make sure to avoid touching the dropper tip to your eye or any other surface to prevent contamination. Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and frequency of use.
The recommended duration for using Benzalkonium Chloride+cyclosporine depends upon the severity of your condition being treated. However, use the Benzalkonium Chloride+cyclosporine as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you.
Yes, Benzalkonium Chloride+cyclosporine is generally considered safe when used as directed by your doctor. However, like other medication, it can have side effects. Therefore, it’s important to follow your doctor's instructions and report if you experience any persistent or severe side effects. Do not exceed the recommended dose.
No, increasing the dose of Benzalkonium Chloride+cyclosporine will not enhance its effectiveness and may actually lead to toxicity. It's important to follow the prescribed dose and use Benzalkonium Chloride+cyclosporine exactly as directed by your doctor.
You are recommended to take the advice of your doctor before using Benzalkonium Chloride+cyclosporine.
If you miss an application of Benzalkonium Chloride+cyclosporine, apply it as soon as you remember. However, if it's almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one.
It can take several weeks before you notice an improvement in your dry eyes when using Benzalkonium Chloride+cyclosporine. Therefore, it's important to use Benzalkonium Chloride+cyclosporine as prescribed by your doctor. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Yes, Benzalkonium Chloride+cyclosporine can be used to manage allergic eye conditions (such as allergic conjunctivitis, keratoconjunctivitis). However, consult your doctor before using Benzalkonium Chloride+cyclosporine.
The common side effects of Benzalkonium Chloride+cyclosporine are pain, irritation, itching in the eye, blurred vision, swelling of the eyelid, watery eyes, and redness of the eye. If any of these side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after applying Benzalkonium Chloride+cyclosporine to prevent contamination. Do not touch the dropper tip to your eye or any other surface to avoid contamination. If you wear soft contact lenses, remove them before applying the eye drops and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them. Do not stop using Benzalkonium Chloride+cyclosporine unless directed by your doctor and do not exceed the recommended dose.
