Optimmune eye ointment for for Dogs 3.5g

International non-proprietary name: cyclosporine.

Dosage form: eye ointment. In appearance, the drug is a colorless or light yellow translucent ointment.

Composition
Optimune contains cyclosporine A as the active ingredient – 2.0 mg/g; excipients: white soft paraffin, corn oil, Amerchol CAB (vaseline and lanolin alcohol).

Pharmacological properties
Optimune belongs to immunosuppressive drugs.

Cyclosporine A, which is part of the drug, is a cyclic polypeptide produced by the fungus Tolypocladium inflatum gans. It is an immunosuppressive agent with anti-inflammatory and lacrimomimetic effects. The immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory effects of cyclosporine A are associated with the blocking at the cellular level of lymphocytes resting in the G0 or G1 phases of the cell cycle, suppression of the production and secretion of cytokines (including interleukin-2, T-lymphocyte growth factor) triggered by antigen, activated by T-lymphocytes. Cyclosporine reversibly acts on lymphocytes.

Due to this, the function of acinar cells of the secretory epithelium of the lacrimal gland is restored and infiltration of eye tissues is reduced. As a result of the anti-inflammatory effect of the drug, the condition of the ocular surface improves: conjunctival hyperplasia is reduced, and with prolonged use, neovascularization and pigmentation of the cornea are reduced.

In addition to immunosuppressive activity, cyclosporine A exhibits a direct lacrimomimetic effect, blocking the suppression of tear production by prolactin. Thus, the increase in tear secretion under the influence of Optimum is identical to the natural one.

Cyclosporin A has high lipophilicity and easily penetrates the cornea and lacrimal gland. Cyclosporin A is deposited in the cornea, poorly penetrates the internal environment of the eye, is practically not absorbed into the bloodstream, and does not have a systemic effect on the body.

Optimum is classified as a low-hazard substance in terms of its degree of effect on the body (hazard class 4 according to GOST 12.1.007-76).

Directions for use
Optimum is used in dogs for the treatment of eye diseases of autoimmune etiology, including idiopathic keratoconjunctivitis sicca (SCC, dry eye syndrome), plasmatic infiltration of the third century and chronic superficial keratitis (pannus).

The drug can be used to enhance the effect of topical corticosteroids or instead of them if corticosteroids are contraindicated (for example, in ulcerative lesions of the cornea).

Before applying the ointment, the affected eye is washed with special ophthalmic solutions and the eye area is thoroughly cleaned. A small amount of ointment (1/2-1 cm) is applied directly to the cornea or placed in the conjunctival sac every 12 hours, without touching the tip of the tube to the surface of the eye, eyelids or other surfaces. The duration of therapy depends on the severity of the lesion and the response to treatment.

Increased tear production is expected within 10 days after the start of the drug, however, it may take up to 6 weeks to reach maximum tear production. In the treatment of keratoconjunctivitis sicca, it is recommended to assess the effectiveness of the drug using the Schirmer test. For correct interpretation of the results, the Schirmer test is recommended to be performed 3 hours after application of Optimmun, when the concentration of cyclosporine in the cornea is maximum. The best treatment results can be achieved when Optimmun is used in the early stages of SCC, when irreversible damage and fibrosis of the lacrimal gland tissues have not occurred. In most cases of SCC and pannus, dogs require lifelong treatment, however, with proper therapy and regular examinations, the prognosis is favorable.

In pannus, due to the influence of environmental factors (such as ultraviolet) on the pathogenesis, the need for Optimmun may decrease during periods of reduced solar activity, and during periods of exacerbation of the disease, the use of Optimmun is resumed.

Contraindications
It is forbidden to use Optimmun in eye diseases of fungal and viral etiology.

Optimmun is not intended for use in productive animals.

Features of use
Long-term use of Optimmun does not increase the susceptibility of the eye to microbial infections.

The effectiveness of Optimmun has not been established in keratoconjunctivitis sicca caused by congenital alacrimia, the use of sulfonamides, carnivorous plague virus, metabolic disorders, surgical removal of the lacrimal gland of the third eyelid, facial nerve paralysis with loss of the palpebral reflex.

In the first days of using Optimmun, mild irritation is possible; if the irritation does not go away, the use of the drug is discontinued. In the event of allergic reactions, the use of Optimmun is discontinued and symptomatic therapy is carried out.

Optimmun should not be used in pregnant bitches, due to the lack of safety data.

Skipping a dose of the drug should be avoided, as this may lead to a decrease in its therapeutic effect.

activity. If one dose is missed, it should be administered as soon as possible, then the treatment is continued according to the main scheme.

Continuity is important in the treatment of SCC, studies have shown that stimulation of tear secretion stops within 24 hours after discontinuation of therapy.

The use of Optimmun does not exclude the use of drugs of other pharmacological groups.

Overdose
Symptoms of overdose of the drug when used in accordance with this instruction have not been established. In some cases, inflammation and swelling of the eyelid skin caused by an excessive amount of ointment are observed. In this case, the dose of the drug applied should be reduced.

Side effects
Side effects and complications when using the drug in accordance with this instruction are usually not observed. In case of increased individual sensitivity to the components of the drug and the appearance of allergic reactions, the use of Optimmun is discontinued.

Personal prevention measures
When working with Optimmun, you should follow the general rules of personal hygiene and safety precautions that are provided for when working with medicines.

During work, it is forbidden to drink, smoke and eat. After finishing work, hands should be washed with warm water and soap.

Empty containers from under the medicine are forbidden to be used for household purposes; they should be disposed of with household waste.

People with hypersensitivity to the components of the drug should avoid direct contact with Optimmun. In case of accidental contact of the medicine with the skin or mucous membranes, they should be washed with plenty of running water. In case of allergic reactions or accidental ingestion of the drug into the human body, you should immediately contact a medical institution (have the instructions for use of the drug or the label with you).

Release form
Optimun is produced in 3.5 g packages in aluminum tubes with a white plastic tip and a screw cap. Tubes are packed in individual cardboard boxes together with instructions for use.

Storage
Optimmun is stored in the manufacturer’s closed packaging, separately from food and feed, in a place protected from direct sunlight at a temperature of 2 °C to 25 °C. Optimun should be stored out of the reach of children.

Shelf life
The shelf life of the medicinal product, if stored in the manufacturer’s closed packaging, is 2 years from the date of manufacture, after the first opening of the tube – 28 days.

It is forbidden to use the medicinal product after the expiration date.

Unused medicinal product is disposed of in accordance with the requirements of the law.

Optimun is dispensed without a veterinarian’s prescription.