Restasis (cyclosporine) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for chronic dry eye in adults and certain children. Restasis comes as an eye drop solution. The typical dosage is one drop per affected eye twice per day.

Restasis belongs to a drug class called calcineurin inhibitors. This drug is available in a generic version.

Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Restasis, including its strength and how to use the medication. For a broader look at Restasis, see this Restasis overview.

Note: This article describes typical dosages for Restasis provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Restasis, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.

Restasis eye drops dosage is described here.

Restasis forms

Restasis comes as a liquid emulsion eye drop solution. (A liquid emulsion is an oily mixture of different liquids.) There are two different forms:

  • Restasis in single-use vials:
    • Each vial contains 0.4 milliliters (mL) of Restasis, which is enough for one drop per eye.
  • Restasis MultiDose:
    • Each bottle contains 5.5 mL.

Restasis strength

Both forms of Restasis come in one strength: 0.5 milligrams (mg) per mL.

Typical dosage

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Restasis is approved to treat chronic dry eye in adults and certain children. (“Chronic” means it has continued for a long time or keeps coming back.)

Dosage for chronic dry eye

The typical Restasis dosage for adults is one drop per affected eye twice per day. You should aim to take these doses about 12 hours apart.

The dosage is the same whether your doctor prescribes Restasis single-use vials or Restasis MultiDose.

Children’s dosage

Restasis is approved for use in children ages 16 to 17 years. (The drug wasn’t studied in people younger than age 16 years.) The children’s dosage is the same as the adult dosage. For details, see the preceding section.

Long-term treatment

Restasis is meant to be used as a long-term treatment to ease symptoms of dry eye. If you and your doctor determine that Restasis is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely use it long term.

Here are some frequently asked questions about Restasis.

How many times can you use a vial of Restasis?

You’ll use one vial of Restasis per dose for one or both eyes. The single-use vial contains 0.4 milliliters (mL) of Restasis. This is enough medication to put one drop in each eye if dry eye affects both of your eyes. The typical Restasis dosage is one drop per affected eye twice per day. So you’ll use two single-use vials per day.

You should dispose of the vial immediately after you apply the drops. Your doctor can tell you how to do so safely. You should not save any medication remaining in the vial to take later.

In contrast, bottles of Restasis MultiDose contain 5.5 mL of the drug. Each bottle should last about 30 days.

If you’d like more information about using Restasis and Restasis MultiDose, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the “How to use Restasis” section.

Will my dosage of Restasis need to change if I use other eye drops?

No, your doctor likely won’t change your Restasis dosage if you use other eye drops. That’s because there are no known drug interactions with Restasis. However, it’s important to wait at least 15 minutes after your Restasis dose before using other eye drops.

If you have questions about Restasis use with other eye drops, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Can I use Restasis three times per day?

No, the drug manufacturer does not recommend using Restasis more than twice per day. Taking more than the recommended dosage could cause overdose. (For more information, see the “Restasis and overdose” section later in this article.)

To help ease your dry eye symptoms, you can use lubricating drops during Restasis treatment. (Just be sure to wait at least 15 minutes after your Restasis dose before applying other eye drops.)

However, if your dry eye isn’t improving, talk with your doctor. They may be able to recommend other treatment options for your condition.

Restasis comes as a liquid emulsion (an oily mixture) that you’ll take as eye drops. You should take your Restasis doses about 12 hours apart. It may be helpful to take Restasis around the same time each day, such as morning and evening. This helps maintain a steady level of the drug so that Restasis can work effectively.

If you wear contact lenses, you’ll need to take them out before using Restasis. Then, wait 15 minutes before putting your contact lenses back in.

The following text provides instructions for using Restasis single-use vials and Restasis MultiDose.

With each dose, you’ll mix the emulsion carefully. This is important to do to ensure that each drop contains the same amount of the drug.

Using Restasis single-use vials

With this form of Restasis, you’ll mix the contents of a single vial by turning it upside down a few times. It’s ready for use when the liquid inside is white and cloudy. After you place the drops in your eye or eyes, you’ll need to discard the vial, even if it still contains medication. (Your doctor can tell you how to dispose of the drug safely.)

You’ll open a new vial for your next dose.

Using Restasis MultiDose

With Restasis MultiDose, you’ll turn the bottle upside down a few times to mix its contents. You’ll then apply the drops to your eyes and replace the cap. You’ll mix the contents before each dose. For details on preparing the bottle for its first use, refer to the drug manufacturer’s step-by-step instructions.

If you have questions about how to use Restasis, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS

Some pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.

If you miss a dose of Restasis, you can take it as soon as possible after you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Then, take your next dose at the time you typically take it.

It’s not safe to put more than one drop of Restasis in your eye at a time. The doses should be about 12 hours apart.

If you’re unsure whether to take or skip a missed dose, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

If you use more Restasis than your doctor prescribes, you may develop serious side effects. (For information about the possible side effects of the drug, see this Restasis side effects article.)

It’s important that you do not use more Restasis than your doctor advises.

Symptoms of an overdose

Restasis overdose symptoms can include:

If you take more than the recommended amount of Restasis

Call your doctor right away if you believe you have taken too much Restasis. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.