ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/cyclosporine
US brand names:Atopica, Optimmune(ophthalmic)
Also known as: Ciclosporin
Cyclosporine is dosed at 1 drop/eye TOPICAL q12h in dogs, per Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.1384 (2026-08-01).. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Binds cyclophilin, inhibiting calcineurin phosphatase. Blocks IL-2 transcription in T-helper lymphocytes, suppressing cell-mediated immunity.
GI upset common initially (improves with time). Give on empty stomach or freeze capsules. Gingival hyperplasia. Immunosuppression — monitor for infections. Do not use modified and non-modified forms interchangeably.
Species references:All Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugs
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 2 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | TOPICAL | 1 drop/eye | q12h | Strong | Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.1384 (2026-08-01). |
| Dog (Domestic) | PO | 5 mg/kg | q24h (initially), then q48h maintenance | Strong | ATOPICA - Cyclosporine Capsule, Gelatin Coated [US Dog Product Label]. Greenfield, IN: Elanco US, Inc; 2020. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=47f70173-a1d9-4156-9a7f-0f296e5dd64b — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.352 (2026-08-01). |
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View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.