Benefits and Uses of Cyclosporine

Cyclosporine is a unique immunosuppressive drug that interferes with T helper cell activity. The initial use was for preventing organ rejection in transplant patients.

Cyclosporine and Veterinary Medicine

Cyclosporine has a number of uses in veterinary medicine. The drug is commonly prescribed for dogs as an effective therapy for dry eye, or KCS (Keratoconjunctivitis sicca), which can lead to blindness if left untreated. Additionally, Cyclosporine treats Atopic Dermatitis in dogs, an allergy condition in which the trigger is unknown.

Other conditions in which Cyclosporine is prescribed for use in veterinary medicine include feline asthma, colitis, perineal fistulas, hemolytic anemia and Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA), a disease in which the red blood cells are under attack in the immune system. In some cases, cats

Cyclosporine and Veterinary Compounding

Due to its widespread use in animal health care, Cyclosporine is often altered through veterinary compounding to satisfy the treatment recommendations of the condition and the individual needs of each patient. For example, in the treatment of KCS, veterinary compounding pharmacies usually develop eye-drops to stop the breakdown of tear gland tissue. Cyclosporine can also be compounded orally to treat conditions such as hemolytic anemia and feline asthma.

Cyclosporine — Potential Side Effects in Veterinary Medicine

As with all medications, Cyclosporine may cause side effects for some patients of veterinary medicine. Common side effects usually subside after one week of treatment and include digestive issues, such as diarrhea, upset stomach and vomiting. A number of patients may experience a loss of appetite.

Cyclosporine Precautions and Indications

Patients with compromised kidney function, liver disease, blood conditions and gastrointestinal ulcers should not be given Cyclosporine. The drug should also not be administered to pregnant or lactating patients.

In general, the designated veterinary medicine professional will recommend that Cyclosporine be administered to patients on an empty stomach. Treatment should be completed as directed by the animal health care specialist in order to successfully treat the condition at hand.