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 eye twice per day.

Restasis belongs to a drug class called calcineurin inhibitors. Restasis 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 comprehensive look at Restasis, see this article.

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 below.

Restasis forms

Restasis comes as a liquid emulsion eye drop solution.* 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.

* A liquid emulsion is an oily mixture of different liquids.

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 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 16 years.) The children’s dosage is the same as the adult dosage. For details, see just above.

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.

Below 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 each eye. The single-use vial contains 0.4 milliliters (mL) of Restasis. This is enough medication to put in one drop per eye. The typical Restasis dosage is one drop per eye twice per day. So you’ll use two single-use vials per day.

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 below.

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

No, your doctor won’t likely 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. To learn more about interactions and Restasis, you can read this article.

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 in your body so Restasis can work effectively.

Note: 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.

Below are 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 make sure 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 eyes, you’ll throw the vial away. Then 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 place the drops in 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 AND CONTAINERS

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 Restasis side effects, see this 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.

The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Restasis for you, they will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes.

As with any drug, never change your dosage of Restasis without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Restasis that’s best for you, talk with your doctor.

Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Restasis. These additional articles might be helpful:

  • More about Restasis. For information about other aspects of Restasis, refer to this article.
  • Side effects. To learn about side effects of Restasis, see this article. You can also look at the prescribing information for Restasis and Restasis MultiDose.
  • Drug comparison. Learn how Restasis compares with Xiidra and Cequa.
  • Cost. For information about cost, see this article.
  • Details about chronic dry eye. For details about chronic dry eye, see our eye health hub.

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.