Has your doctor prescribed an eye drop called Cysteamine for you or your child? Since this is a relatively new or uncommon medication, you may be a little confused or worried about what it is, how to use it, and whether it has any side effects. Don't worry, it's very common. Today, we'll find simple, clear answers to all your questions about the eye drop called Cysteamine.
What kind of medicine is Cysteamine?
Simply put, this is an eye medication given for a specific condition. Sometimes small crystals can build up inside our eyes. Especially in people with a rare condition called cystinosis, crystals of an amino acid called cystine build up in their eyes. These crystals can cause eye damage, blurred vision, eye pain, and sensitivity to light.
So, what this Cysteamine medicine does is dissolve, break down, and remove the so-called 'cystine' crystals that have accumulated inside the eye.
The most important thing is that this is not a cure for the disease. However, this medicine is very helpful in controlling the damage caused to the eyes by the disease and reducing the symptoms.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using the medicine
Before your doctor prescribes this medication, he or she needs to have a complete picture of your health. Therefore, be sure to inform him or her about the following:
- Allergies: If you have any allergies, not only to this Cysteamine medication, but also to any other medication, food, dye, or preservative, please tell us about it.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, be sure to tell your doctor.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are a breastfeeding mother, you should also tell the doctor about it.
- If you wear contact lenses: If you wear contact lenses, mention that as well, as sometimes you need to follow special instructions about using lenses while using the medication.
How exactly do you use this medicine?
To get the most out of your medicine, it's important to use it correctly. Okay, so let's take a step-by-step look at how to do this.
1. Wash your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after applying the medicine.
2. Tilt your head back: Sit in a chair, tilt your head back slightly, and look up.
3. Pull the lower eyelid down: Gently pull the lower eyelid down with your index finger, forming a small pouch.
4. Put the medicine drops: Do not touch the mouth of the medicine bottle (dropper) to your eyes, fingers, or anywhere else. Doing so may contaminate the medicine. Now put the number of drops prescribed by the doctor into the prepared bag.
5. Close your eye: After applying the medication, close your eye slowly and let the medication spread for about a minute. Do not close your eye tightly.
Remember in particular:
- This is a medicine for eye use only . Do not drink or use it in any other way for any reason.
- Do not use more than the number of times and in the amount prescribed by your doctor, nor stop taking it suddenly without his advice.
- When giving this medicine to young children, consult a pediatrician and follow his or her instructions carefully.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. But not everyone gets them. Let's break these down into two categories.
| Type of side effect | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Things to report to the doctor immediately |
|
| Things to inform the doctor if they persist |
|
A few other important points
What if I miss a dose of medicine?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is very close to your next dose (for example, less than two hours away), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
What if the medicine is used too much?
If you think you have accidentally taken too much of this medicine, do not panic and immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Can there be problems with other medications?
This medicine usually does not cause any major problems with other medications. However, do not use any other eye products without first consulting your doctor. It is also safest to inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking, including vitamins and herbal remedies.
How to store the medicine?
Keep this medicine out of the reach of small children . Also, check the medicine box or bottle for any special storage instructions (e.g., keep in the refrigerator). Follow those instructions.
Take-Home Message
- Cysteamine is a special eye medication that dissolves cystine crystals inside the eye.
- Before using this medicine, tell your doctor about any allergies, pregnancy, and other illnesses you have.
- Use the medicine exactly as your doctor tells you, in the prescribed amount and for the prescribed number of times.
- If you experience severe eye pain, swelling, or allergic symptoms, see a doctor immediately.
- If you have any questions about this medication, it's best to ask the doctor who prescribed it to you rather than searching the internet.
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