restasis

[pabdibclc]

I just received a call from a mother who was given an ophthalmic .05% solution as eye drops and wants to know if it is safe to use. mmm does not discuss this use.
thank you,

[cpride]

Dear pabdibclc,

Restasis is a cyclosporine opthalmic solution. The drug manufacturer studies revealed all plasma levels were below the quantitation limit of 0.1 ng/ml, and no detectable drug accumulation in the blood using 0.05 percent emulsion of Restasis twice daily for up to one year. Therefore, it would be very unlikely for Restasis to enter into breastmilk in quantities that would affect a breastfeeding infant. Even when cyclosporine is given either by mouth or injection, the relative infant dose is low at 0.4 percent to 3 percent of mother's dose. If mother is concerned, she can certainly have baby monitored for immune suppression by her pediatrician, but this is probably not warranted in this case. She can occlude her tear duct when applying the eye drops to also lessen systemic absorption. Let me know if you have further questions.

Sincerely,
Cindy Pride, MSN, CPNP
TTUHSC InfantRisk Center

[pabdibclc]

Thank you,

Patricia