Optimmune® Ophthalmic Ointment for Dogs

Optimmune® is a cyclosporine 0.2% ophthalmic ointment for dogs. It helps manage dry eye conditions by supporting tear production and calming local inflammation. At CanadianInsulin, Optimmune for dogs ships from Canada to the US, with US delivery from Canada and Canadian pricing. This can make long-term treatment easier for families paying without insurance.

What Optimmune® Is and How It Works

Optimmune® is a prescription eye medicine for dogs that contains cyclosporine 0.2% in a sterile ointment base. It is indicated for keratoconjunctivitis sicca, also called KCS or dry eye, and may be used for chronic superficial keratitis when prescribed by a veterinarian. The ointment helps restore natural tear film by reducing immune-mediated damage to the tear glands and ocular surface. In simple terms, this eye ointment supports comfortable eyes by helping the body make more tears and by reducing inflammation on the cornea and conjunctiva.

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Many pet owners refer to this as Optimmune eye drops for dogs, but the labeled form is an ophthalmic ointment. The typical presentation is Optimmune eye ointment for dogs 3.5 g. The medicine belongs to an ophthalmic immunomodulator class and is well known as Optimmune 0.2 ophthalmic ointment. When applied as directed, cyclosporine acts locally, targeting T-cells that drive inflammation, which supports improved tear quality and quantity over time.

Who Optimmune® Is For

Optimmune ophthalmic ointment for dogs is prescribed for canine KCS and for some cases of chronic superficial keratitis, as diagnosed by a veterinarian. Dogs with tear production below normal on a Schirmer tear test are common candidates. It is not designed for acute eye infections or corneal ulcers. Dogs with known hypersensitivity to cyclosporine or any ointment component should avoid this product. Use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs should be based on a veterinarian’s judgment. Cats and other species are not the labeled audience.

Dosage and Usage

Follow the dosing plan from your veterinarian and the official label directions. A common regimen is a thin 1/4-inch ribbon of ointment applied inside the lower eyelid of the affected eye or eyes every 12 hours. Wash hands before and after use. Gently pull down the lower lid to create a pocket and apply the ribbon without touching the tube tip to the eye, eyelid, or eyelashes. Close the eye and allow the ointment to spread. If other eye medications are prescribed, ask the veterinarian about the order of application and allow time between products. Many clinicians recommend spacing other drops or gels by at least 5 to 10 minutes to prevent dilution or washout.

Strengths and Forms

Commonly available presentation:

• Optimmune 0.2% cyclosporine ophthalmic ointment 3.5 g tube

Availability can vary by supply and packaging. The ophthalmic ointment form supports longer ocular surface contact time compared with many drops.

Missed Dose and Timing

If a dose is missed, apply when remembered unless it is close to the next scheduled time. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Do not apply extra ointment to make up for a missed application. Consistent twice-daily use is often needed for stable tear production.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store Optimmune eye ointment for dogs at controlled room temperature. Keep the tube tightly capped, upright when practical, and protect from excessive heat. Do not freeze. Prevent contamination by avoiding contact between the tip and any surfaces. For travel, place the tube in a clean, sealable bag and carry a copy of the prescription. Keep out of reach of children and other pets.

Benefits

Label-aligned benefits include:

• Supports natural tear production in dogs with KCS
• Helps reduce redness, irritation, and mucoid ocular discharge
• Ophthalmic ointment base prolongs surface contact time
• Can be used long term under veterinary supervision
• Small 3.5 g tube is easy to carry for home and travel

Many dogs require ongoing tear support. Optimmune for dogs from Canada can be an accessible option when consistent therapy is needed.

Side Effects and Safety

• Transient eye irritation or stinging after application
• Mild redness or eyelid squinting
• Watery discharge or temporary blurred vision from the ointment base
• Periocular hair may appear oily due to the ointment

Serious events are uncommon but require prompt veterinary care. These include marked eye pain, severe redness or swelling, corneal ulceration, or signs of infection. Dogs with active ocular infections often need those treated before starting cyclosporine. Contact the prescribing veterinarian if symptoms worsen or do not improve with consistent use.

Secondary infections can occur in some cases of severe dry eye. When antibiotics are needed, veterinarians choose appropriate agents. For background reading on common antibiotics used in companion animals, see our guides to Baytril Antibiotic and Cephalexin For Dogs.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Topical cyclosporine is generally compatible with artificial tears and many veterinary eye medications. Coordination with topical corticosteroids, glaucoma therapies, or other immunomodulators should be guided by the veterinarian. Use caution in dogs receiving systemic immunosuppressants or drugs that affect healing. If using adjunct therapies for allergies or skin conditions, such as Apoquel For Dogs, inform the veterinarian to ensure complete oversight of the treatment plan.

What to Expect Over Time

For many dogs, comfort improves with steady use over weeks. Tear test values and corneal staining guide progress during rechecks. Some dogs stabilize on twice-daily application, while others need tailored plans. Long-term maintenance is common in KCS because the underlying condition is chronic.

Compare With Alternatives

Veterinarians may consider other ophthalmic immunomodulators or supportive lubricants when crafting a plan. A commonly used alternative is compounded tacrolimus ophthalmic therapy. See Tacrolimus for information on this option. Non-medicated artificial tear gels or ointments can be used alongside cyclosporine for additional lubrication as directed by the clinician.

Pricing and Access

Order Optimmune for dogs online with Canadian pricing and US shipping. Many pet owners compare the Optimmune price for dogs when planning long-term care. Review the current Optimmune ophthalmic ointment for dogs price on this page and start a secure checkout to place your prescription order. For seasonal offers, visit our Promotions page. You can also browse our full Pet Medications catalog. Checkout uses encrypted processing for peace of mind.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary. If Optimmune 3.5 g for dogs is temporarily unavailable, the prescribing veterinarian may recommend a suitable alternative or an interim plan with lubricating products. Substitutions should match the treatment goals for KCS or related conditions.

Patient Suitability and Cost Saving Tips

Dogs with diagnosed KCS or chronic superficial keratitis are typical candidates when a veterinarian confirms the need. Dogs with active corneal ulcers, untreated infections, or known hypersensitivity to cyclosporine should not use the ointment until the clinician advises otherwise. Regular rechecks help maintain comfort and corneal health.

Cost-saving ideas for chronic care:

• Ask the veterinarian about multi-month prescriptions to reduce per-shipment costs
• Keep a refill reminder so the next tube arrives before the current one runs out
• Store your ointment properly to avoid waste from contamination
• Use artificial tears as directed to support comfort between cyclosporine doses
• Consider a spare tube for travel so treatment stays consistent

For broader pet care needs, many households also manage preventive therapies. Our catalog includes Simparica® for flea and tick protection when prescribed by a veterinarian.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• What dosing schedule and application technique fit this dog’s eyes best
• How to coordinate Optimmune cyclosporine for dogs with other eye medications
• When to schedule the next tear test and corneal exam
• Which signs mean the eyes need re-evaluation sooner
• Whether supportive artificial tears or gels should be added
• How long to continue therapy once tear production improves

Authoritative Sources

Learn more from official resources and manufacturers:

• Dechra Optimmune Product Page
• FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine
• Health Canada Drug Product Database

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