Each gram of Optimmune® Ophthalmic Ointment Rx for Dogs contains 2 mg of cyclosporine, USP; petrolatum, USP; corn oil, NF; petrolatum and lanolin alcohol. Cyclosporine (cyclosporin A), the active ingredient of Optimmune® Ophthalmic Ointment Rx for Dogs, is a cyclic undecapeptide metabolite of the fungus Tolypocladium inflatum gams. When applied ophthalmically, cyclosporine is believed to act as a local immunomodulator of diseases suspected to be immune-mediated such as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) and chronic superficial keratitis (CSK). In the management of KCS, the mechanism by which cyclosporine causes an increase in lacrimation is poorly understood. Clinical improvement in cases of KCS is not necessarily dependent on an increase in aqueous tear production (as measured by the Schirmer Tear Test [STT]).
How it works: Cyclosporine has broad anti-inflammatory effects that help to reduce damage to the tear glands while also stimulating tear production.
