Undoubtedly, the eyes are one of the most universal and valuable gifts of nature for every person. However, in the absence of proper care for them, constant workloads, exposure to computer and television screens, serious negative consequences can occur, starting with blurred vision and ending with complete blindness.
Restasis eye drops are an ophthalmic immunomodulating type of drug that is intended for topical use. This tool is used to moisturize the mucous membrane and helps relieve inflammation. In this article, we consider the drug in more detail.
When should i use drops?
Restasis eye drops are mainly prescribed for those patients who have had dry eye syndrome or dry keratoconjunctivitis (insufficient production of tear fluid that moisturizes and protects the cornea).
The release form of "Restasis" and its composition
This drug is produced in the form of drops for the eyes having an active substance concentration of 0.05%. Outwardly, they look like a cloudy or translucent emulsion. Drops are packed in a plastic bottle, the capacity of which is four hundredths of a milliliter. It is designed for single use.
Eye drops "Restasis" have the following composition:
- cyclosporin in an amount of 0.5 milligrams, characterized by an immunosuppressive effect, which manifests itself in its systematic use;
- the same amount of carbomer;
- castor oil (12.5 milligrams);
- glycerol (22 milligrams);
- polysorbate (from 8 to 10 milligrams);
- sodium hydroxide (4.09 milligrams);
- water.
How is the drug used?
Before using Restasis eye drops, you need to shake the bottle a little, so that the liquid inside it acquires a homogeneous structure. Then it is required to introduce into each eye one or two drops in the morning and in the evening with observance of the interval of twelve hours. These recommendations should be followed without fail.
After the drug is administered, the patient needs to blink several times to evenly distribute the drug. Since each bottle is used once, the rest of the product should be disposed of immediately after the procedure.
Using "Restasis", it is necessary to avoid the tip of the bottle touching both the organs of vision and other surfaces in order to avoid infection of the product in it.
If the patient uses contact lenses, then they must be removed before using this drug, and it can be reinserted only after fifteen minutes.
The nature of the interaction with other drugs
At the moment, there is no information about the interaction of Restasis eye drops with other drugs. If the patient also uses ophthalmic drops, then he must observe at least a twenty-minute interval between the use of two different drugs.
In addition, it is well known that Restasis can reduce the effect of vaccination, and therefore, during the period of its use, the patient should avoid the introduction of attenuated live vaccines.
Possible side effects and contraindications
Among the side effects from the use of Restasis eye drops are the following:
- burning of the organs of vision;
- itching and pain in the eye area;
- photophobia;
- eye hyperemia;
- blurred vision, sensation of a foreign body in the organs of vision;
- pain in the temples and forehead;
- swelling and redness of the eyelids;
- corneal ulcers and erosion;
- dizziness;
- nausea;
- rash;
- drying out of the organs of vision;
- lacrimation;
- allergic manifestations of a systemic nature.
"Restasis" has such contraindications as:
- patient age up to eighteen years;
- acute eye infections;
- lactation period and gestation time;
- herpetic keratitis;
- hypersensitivity to any of the components in the composition of the drops.
In the case of a decrease in the visibility of the patient, after the administration of this drug, he needs to temporarily refuse to drive a vehicle and work with any complex mechanisms.
According to the instructions, Restasis eye drops are not recommended for use during pregnancy, since no studies have been conducted on their effect on fetal development in the womb.
Storage features and some guidelines
One bottle contains a single dose of the drug, that is, one drop for each eye. An emulsion from an open container must be used immediately, and the remaining substance disposed of.
During the use of the emulsion, a temporary visual impairment may be noted, in connection with which it is not allowed to drive any vehicle and engage in activities that require eye strain and a high concentration of attention.
The tool is not cheap. For one bottle of drops it will be necessary to give about 3000-3500 rubles. It depends on the pricing policy of the pharmacy chain, as well as the region. Not everyone can afford them.
The drug should be stored at room temperature, in a place where access for children is limited. Shelf life, equal to two years, have Restasis eye drops.
Analogs
Currently, there is no exact analogue of Restasis drops on the pharmaceutical market. But with intolerance to this drug, it can be replaced by such means that to some extent compensate for its effect:
- Vidisik.
- "Vizin."
- "Chilo-dresser."
- Hilo-kea.
- "Khozar-chest of drawers."
- Oksial.
- Phloxal.
- Oftagel.
- Oftolik.
- "Sandoz."
- "Orgasporin."
- "Stillavit."
"Vizin"
It is a vasoconstrictor drug, which is used in ophthalmology. The active ingredient is tetrizoline hydrochloride.
It has a sympathomimetic effect, stimulates alpha adrenergic receptors in the sympathetic nervous system. A vasoconstrictor effect is produced, tissue swelling is reduced. The drug begins to act 1 minute after instillation, and the effect lasts for eight hours. It treats conjunctival hyperemia and relieves eye swelling that may occur with allergies or from the action of external irritants.
"Stillavit"
It is considered a combination drug that moisturizes well, prevents the cornea from drying out, and eliminates burning, swelling and discomfort in the eyes. The main active ingredients are sodium hyaluronate, sodium chondroitin sulfate and provitamin B5 (D-panthenol).
Eye drops "Restasis": reviews
Drops have a large number of positive reviews from patients. It is noted that thanks to their use, it was possible to quickly get rid of tearing and redness of the eyes. Some have encountered negative side effects that have eliminated themselves even without discontinuing this drug. Negative reviews are available regarding a very high price.
Ophthalmologists respond well to the drug, however, they are not recommended to use drops without consulting a doctor.
We examined the Restasis eye drops application instructions.