What is the brand name for Cyclosporine?
The brand name for Cyclosporine is Restasis.
PTCE Top 200 · #179
Cyclosporine
Restasis
Cyclosporine is the generic name for the brand-name drug Restasis. It is a calcineurin inhibitor (immunosuppressant) used to treat chronic dry eye. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Cyclosporine ranks #179 and is one of the most frequently tested rheumatology/immunology medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.
| Generic name | Cyclosporine |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Restasis |
| Drug class | Calcineurin inhibitor (immunosuppressant) |
| Class group | Rheumatology/Immunology |
| Common use | chronic dry eye |
| DEA schedule | Unscheduled |
| Availability | Prescription only (Rx) |
What is Cyclosporine used for?
Increase tear production in patients with keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye disease) where tear production is presumed to be suppressed due to ocular inflammation.
What drug class is Cyclosporine?
Cyclosporine is a Calcineurin inhibitor (immunosuppressant) in the Rheumatology/Immunology group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.
Common side effects of Cyclosporine
- arrow_rightBurning sensation in eye
- arrow_rightEye redness
- arrow_rightTearing
- arrow_rightEye pain
- arrow_rightBlurred vision
- arrow_rightForeign body sensation
Major interactions
- arrow_rightNo clinically important systemic interactions expected with ophthalmic use
- arrow_rightSeparate administration from other eye drops by several minutes to avoid washout
Is Cyclosporine a controlled substance?
No. Cyclosporine is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
How to remember Cyclosporine (PTCE mnemonic)
REST-asis RESTores tears — ocular cyclosporine for chronic dry eye. Twice daily; takes 3-6 MONTHS for full effect; burning/stinging on instillation; minimal systemic absorption.
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PTCE exam tip
Same molecule, two worlds: Restasis eye drops for chronic dry eye vs systemic cyclosporine for transplant — and modified vs non-modified oral forms are NOT interchangeable.
Cyclosporine FAQ
What is Cyclosporine used for?
Cyclosporine is used to treat chronic dry eye. Increase tear production in patients with keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye disease) where tear production is presumed to be suppressed due to ocular inflammation.
What drug class is Cyclosporine?
Cyclosporine is a Calcineurin inhibitor (immunosuppressant) (Rheumatology/Immunology group).
Is Cyclosporine a controlled substance?
No. Cyclosporine is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
Related drugs in the Rheumatology/Immunology group
Drill Cyclosporine the way the PTCE asks it
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Last reviewed June 25, 2026. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).