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Cysteamine Hcl

Pronounced

"sis-TEE-a-meen"

Common brand names:

Cystadrops

Uses

Cysteamine is used to treat eye problems in people with cystinosis, a hereditary metabolic disorder that causes build-up of a certain natural substance (cystine) in the body. This medication helps get rid of cystine build-up in the eyes.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using cysteamine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Use this medication in the affected eye(s) as directed by your doctor, usually once every hour you are awake.

Some brands of this medication are stored in the freezer, while others are stored in the refrigerator. Read and follow the manufacturer's directions for how to store your brand before and after first use.

Use this medication in the eyes as directed by your doctor.

To apply eye drops, wash hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface.

If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them before using eye drops. Wait at least 15 minutes before replacing your contact lenses. Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and place one drop into the pouch. Look downward, gently close your eyes, and place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose). Apply gentle pressure for 1 to 2 minutes before opening your eyes. This will prevent the medication from draining out. Try not to blink or rub your eye. Repeat these steps for your other eye. Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use.

If you are using another kind of eye medication (such as drops or ointments), wait at least 5 or at least 10 minutes (depending on your brand) before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the drops to enter the eye.

Wait several minutes for your vision to clear before driving or operating machinery.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it.