Optimmune® Ophthalmic Ointment for Canine Dry Eye

This veterinary ophthalmic cyclosporine ointment helps manage chronic dry eye in dogs. It supports tear production and reduces surface inflammation. You can review options with US delivery from Canada, even without insurance.

What Optimmune Is and How It Works

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Optimmune® is a prescription cyclosporine ophthalmic treatment for dogs with keratoconjunctivitis sicca and chronic superficial keratitis. It reduces immune-mediated inflammation in the lacrimal glands, which can help restore basal tear flow. The treatment also supports a healthier tear film and helps protect the corneal surface from dryness-related damage.

Optimmune for dogs is typically used as long-term therapy under a veterinarian’s guidance. The goals are improved comfort, reduced ocular discharge, and better corneal health over time.

Who It’s For

This medicine is for dogs diagnosed with dry eye (KCS) or with chronic superficial keratitis. Prescribers may also use it to maintain tear production after initial stabilization. Optimmune 3.5 g for dogs is not intended for cats or other species.

Avoid use if your dog has a known hypersensitivity to cyclosporine or ointment components. Do not start during an active eye infection or corneal ulcer unless your prescriber directs treatment for those conditions first.

Dosage and Usage

Follow the veterinary label and your prescriber’s directions. In many cases, a thin ribbon about one-fourth of an inch is placed into the lower eyelid of each affected eye every 12 hours. Wash your hands. Clean away debris before use. Tilt the head back slightly, pull down the lower lid to form a pocket, and apply the ribbon without touching the tube tip to any surface. Replace the cap promptly.

Optimmune eye ointment for dogs should be applied consistently. If other eye medicines are prescribed, ask about spacing them; many clinicians separate products by several minutes. Do not change frequency or stop use without veterinary advice.

Strengths and Forms

Cyclosporine ophthalmic ointment 0.2% for dogs is supplied as a sterile ointment.

• Single 3.5 g tube; availability may vary by dispensing pharmacy.
• Packaging and supplier lots can change based on supply.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, apply it when remembered unless it is close to the next scheduled time. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one and resume the regular schedule. Do not apply extra to make up for a missed dose. If multiple eye products are used, separate administration as directed to help each product absorb properly.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store the tube at room conditions as directed on the label, away from excessive heat and light. Keep the cap tightly closed when not in use. Do not allow the tip to contact any surface to avoid contamination. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

For travel, keep the tube in its original packaging with the prescription label. Pack it in a clean pouch to protect the cap and tip. When flying, keep it in your carry-on with a copy of the prescription or a clinic invoice if available. Avoid prolonged exposure to hot cars or direct sun.

Pen Handling and Sharps Disposal

This product is an ophthalmic ointment in a tube. It does not use pens, needles, or cartridges. Discard empty tubes in household trash unless your local guidance recommends another method. Do not flush.

Benefits

• Tear support: helps restore basal tear production.
• Surface comfort: reduces irritation and mucoid discharge.
• Corneal protection: supports epithelial health and clarity.
• Convenient schedule: commonly twice daily after stabilization.
• Targeted therapy: acts locally at the ocular surface.

Side Effects and Safety

• Transient eye irritation or stinging after application
• Mild redness, tearing, or discharge
• Eyelid or conjunctival irritation
• Occasional squinting or rubbing

Serious issues are uncommon but can include corneal ulceration, marked pain, or persistent swelling. If your dog shows worsening redness, cloudiness, or vision changes, stop use and contact your prescriber. If an infection develops, it should be evaluated and treated appropriately, which may include antibiotics; see background information such as Cephalexin For Dogs for general concepts.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Tell your prescriber about all eye and systemic medicines your dog uses. Many dogs also receive lubricating drops or gels; these are commonly spaced several minutes apart from the ointment. If glaucoma therapy is prescribed, space any additional eye medicines to reduce washout and follow clinic guidance; see examples such as Timolol. Concurrent systemic immunosuppressants require veterinary oversight. For background on systemic cyclosporine use in dermatology, see Atopica Capsules For Dogs.

What to Expect Over Time

Consistent use is important. Many dogs need ongoing therapy to maintain comfort and corneal health. Your prescriber may check tear production, ocular surface staining, and eyelid health during follow-up. Supportive lubricants, eyelid hygiene, and managing environmental irritants can complement therapy. Report any setbacks, such as renewed discharge, squinting, or rubbing, so your plan can be adjusted.

Compare With Alternatives

Some dogs require adjustments if response or tolerance is suboptimal. Prescribers may consider an alternative ophthalmic immunomodulator. One option is a tacrolimus preparation when clinically appropriate; see Tacrolimus Hgc. Other eye medicines may be used for different conditions, such as glaucoma, and do not replace tear-modulating therapy; for example, Dorzolamide Ophthalmic Solution treats elevated intraocular pressure.

Pricing and Access

Where to buy Optimmune for dogs depends on availability and your prescription. You can view current options, compare Canadian pricing, and arrange US shipping from Canada through our platform. Final pricing reflects the dispensing pharmacy, quantity, and shipping method. Our encrypted checkout supports secure payment. To browse related items, see Pet Medications.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary. If your preferred tube count or manufacturer lot is out of stock, a prescriber may recommend an equivalent product. Optimmune for dogs generic may be available from certain suppliers as cyclosporine ophthalmic ointment, subject to prescription and inventory. If a substitution is recommended, your veterinary clinic should confirm suitability.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Dogs with confirmed KCS or chronic superficial keratitis may benefit from this therapy. Dogs with active eye infections or corneal ulcers need evaluation and treatment before starting or continuing the ointment. Tell your prescriber about prior eye surgeries, concurrent medicines, and any history of hypersensitivity.

To reduce total costs, ask about multi-tube orders and refill coordination. Setting calendar reminders helps avoid gaps in therapy. If your prescriber approves, combining reorders for multiple pet medicines in one parcel may save on shipping fees. Keep a small buffer on hand to prevent unplanned interruptions.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Application steps: what exact ribbon length and technique should I use?
• Adjunct care: which lubricants or eyelid cleaners pair well with this therapy?
• Spacing: how long should I wait between different eye medicines?
• Monitoring: how often should tear tests and eye exams be scheduled?
• Safety: what signs mean I should pause use and contact the clinic?
• Travel: how should I pack and store the tube when away from home?
• Refills: can I order multiple tubes to reduce per-shipment fees?

Authoritative Sources

FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine

Merck Animal Health

Health Canada Drug Product Database

Ready to proceed? Submit your prescription and arrange fulfillment with express delivery. Ships from Canada to US. This information is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice; always follow your prescriber’s directions.