ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/cyclosporine
US brand names:Atopica, Optimmune(ophthalmic)
Also known as: Ciclosporin
Cyclosporine is dosed at 10 mg/kg PO PO q12h, then q24h after 1-2 mo in blue-and-gold macaws, per Kleinschmidt LM, Hoppes SM, Musser JMB, Tizard I, Heatley JJ. Use of Cyclosporine and Itraconazole as Palliative Treatment for Proventricular Dilatation Disease in Psittacine Birds. Vet Sci. 2025;12(5):459. doi:10.3390/vetsci12050459 https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC12115444. 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 Blue-and-Gold Macaw drugsAll Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Cockatiel drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugsAll Ferret drugsAll Umbrella Cockatoo 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 6 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). — Plumb's 10th ed (held) printed p.322, Cyclosporine (Systemic) monograph spanning p.322-326; page located 2026-08-05 from the book's own running heads, verified to name the drug in its body text. — SOURCE EDITION: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — ISBN 9781394172207, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781394172207 |
| 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). — Plumb's 10th ed (held) printed p.325, Cyclosporine (Systemic) monograph spanning p.322-326; page located 2026-08-05 from the book's own running heads, and carries this exact dose under the matching species heading. — SOURCE EDITION: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — ISBN 9781394172207, |
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View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.