Table of Contents

1. What is Cystaran?
2. Do You Need a Prescription for Cystaran?
3. How Does Cystaran Work?
4. Common Side Effects of Cystaran
5. What Should You Not Take with Cystaran?

What is Cystaran?

Cystaran is a prescription medication used to treat bacterial keratitis, a condition that causes inflammation of the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye. It is a topical ophthalmic solution that is administered directly into the eye. Cystaran is available in a 0.25% solution and is usually applied four times a day. It is manufactured by Akorn Pharmaceuticals and is available in both generic and brand-name versions.

Cystaran is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic and works by killing the bacteria that cause the infection. It is used to treat bacterial keratitis caused by certain types of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. It is also used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis, which is an infection of the conjunctiva, the thin membrane that covers the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids.

Do You Need a Prescription for Cystaran?

Yes, you need a prescription from a doctor or other health care provider in order to purchase and use Cystaran. It is not available over the counter and must be prescribed by a doctor.

How Does Cystaran Work?

Cystaran is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that works by killing the bacteria that cause the infection. It works by inhibiting the production of essential proteins that the bacteria need to survive. This prevents the bacteria from growing and multiplying, which helps to reduce the inflammation and infection.

Cystaran is usually applied directly into the eye four times a day. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions exactly when using this medication.

Common Side Effects of Cystaran

The most common side effects of Cystaran include eye irritation, burning, stinging, and redness. Other side effects may include blurred vision, dry eyes, and sensitivity to light.

Most of these side effects are mild and usually go away within a few days. If any of these side effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor.

What Should You Not Take with Cystaran?

You should not take any other medications while using Cystaran unless your doctor has instructed you to do so. This includes any over-the-counter medications, vitamins, or supplements.

You should also avoid wearing contact lenses while using Cystaran. Contact lenses can increase the risk of eye irritation and should be removed before using this medication.

Indications for Cystaran

Cystaran (apremilast) is an oral medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. It is also used to treat adults with active psoriatic arthritis. This medication works by reducing inflammation in the body, which can improve the symptoms of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Cystaran is a phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) inhibitor, which means it works by blocking the action of an enzyme called PDE-4. This enzyme is involved in the production of inflammatory molecules, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-17 (IL-17), which can cause inflammation in the body. By blocking the action of PDE-4, Cystaran can reduce inflammation and improve symptoms of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Dosage and Administration Recommendations

The recommended dose of Cystaran is 30 mg taken twice daily. It should be taken with food and a full glass of water. Patients should not take more than the recommended dose of Cystaran. If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible. Patients should not take two doses at the same time.

Cystaran should be taken for at least 12 weeks before the patient can expect to see any improvement in their symptoms. It may take up to 24 weeks for the full effects of the medication to be seen.

Common Drug Interactions

Cystaran can interact with other medications, including certain antibiotics, antifungals, and antivirals. It can also interact with certain medications used to treat depression, anxiety, and seizures. Patients should tell their doctor about all medications they are taking before starting Cystaran.

Cystaran can also interact with certain supplements, such as St. John’s wort, and herbal products, such as ginkgo biloba. Patients should tell their doctor about all supplements and herbal products they are taking before starting Cystaran.

Warnings

Cystaran can cause serious side effects, including allergic reactions, liver damage, and increased risk of infection. Patients should tell their doctor right away if they experience any of these side effects.

Cystaran can also cause serious mental health side effects, such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. Patients should tell their doctor right away if they experience any of these side effects.

Clinical Pharmacology

Cystaran is a phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) inhibitor. This means it works by blocking the action of an enzyme called PDE-4, which is involved in the production of inflammatory molecules, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-17 (IL-17). By blocking the action of PDE-4, Cystaran can reduce inflammation and improve symptoms of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Cystaran is absorbed quickly after it is taken orally, with peak levels of the medication in the bloodstream occurring within 1 to 2 hours. The medication is broken down in the liver and then eliminated from the body in the urine.

Medication Guide

Patients taking Cystaran should take the medication exactly as prescribed by their doctor. They should not take more than the recommended dose of the medication. Patients should take the medication with food and a full glass of water.

Patients should tell their doctor about all medications and supplements they are taking before starting Cystaran. This includes prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products.

Patients should tell their doctor right away if they experience any serious side effects, such as allergic reactions, liver damage, increased risk of infection, or mental health side effects.

Conclusion

Cystaran (apremilast) is an oral medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and active psoriatic arthritis. It works by blocking the action of an enzyme called PDE-4, which is involved in the production of inflammatory molecules that can cause inflammation in the body. The recommended dose of Cystaran is 30 mg taken twice daily with food and a full glass of water. Patients should tell their doctor about all medications and supplements they are taking before starting Cystaran. Patients should tell their doctor right away if they experience any serious side effects.