Are Restasis (cyclosporine) dropperettes preservative-free?

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Last updated: March 31, 2025 • View editorial policy

From the FDA Drug Label

RESTASIS® ophthalmic emulsion is packaged in single use vials. The FDA drug label does not answer the question.

From the Research

Restasis dropperettes (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion 0.05%) are preservative-free. Each single-use vial is designed for one-time use only and does not contain preservatives, which makes them suitable for patients who may have sensitivities to preservatives commonly found in multi-dose eye drop bottles. The preservative-free formulation helps reduce the risk of irritation that some patients experience with preserved eye drops, particularly important for those with dry eye disease who are already dealing with ocular surface inflammation. After opening a dropperette, you should use it immediately and discard any unused portion, as the absence of preservatives means bacteria could grow in the solution if stored after opening. Restasis typically comes in boxes containing 30 or 60 single-use vials, with the recommended dosage being one drop in each affected eye twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart. According to the most recent study 1, Restasis is one of the FDA-approved medical treatments for dry eye disease, and its preservative-free formulation is a key benefit for patients with sensitivities.

Some key points to consider when using Restasis dropperettes include:

  • The importance of proper use and disposal to prevent bacterial growth in the solution
  • The potential benefits of preservative-free formulations for patients with dry eye disease
  • The recommended dosage and administration schedule for Restasis dropperettes
  • The availability of Restasis in boxes containing 30 or 60 single-use vials

It's worth noting that while other studies 2, 3, 4, 5 discuss various aspects of dry eye disease and its treatment, the most recent and highest-quality study 1 provides the most relevant information on Restasis dropperettes.

References

Research

Quintessence of currently approved and upcoming treatments for dry eye disease.

Graefe's archive for clinical and experimental ophthalmology = Albrecht von Graefes Archiv fur klinische und experimentelle Ophthalmologie, 2024

Research

Punctal occlusion for dry eye syndrome.

The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 2017

Research

The use of preservatives in dry eye drops.

Clinical ophthalmology (Auckland, N.Z.), 2019

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.