Cequa®
cyclosporine ophthalmic solution 0.09%
Clinical Snapshot
Cequa delivers cyclosporine via a nanomicellar aqueous formulation designed to enhance drug solubility and corneal penetration. It provides a higher cyclosporine concentration than Restasis in an aqueous vehicle.
Mechanism of Action
Cyclosporine inhibits calcineurin, reducing T-cell activation and downstream release of pro-inflammatory cytokines on the ocular surface. The nanomicellar technology improves bioavailability relative to emulsion-based delivery.
Common Clinical Applications
- Signs and symptoms of dry eye disease
Typical Dosing Principles
One drop in each eye twice daily (approximately 12 hours apart).
Dosing information is provided for educational purposes. Always consult current prescribing information for specific dosing protocols.
Important Precautions
- Contraindicated in patients with active ocular infections or known hypersensitivity to cyclosporine.
- Contact lenses should be removed prior to instillation.
- Instillation site pain and burning are the most commonly reported adverse effects.
Clinical Pearls
- The aqueous nanomicellar vehicle may be preferred by patients sensitive to the oily feel of emulsion-based formulations.
- Higher cyclosporine concentration (0.09%) than Restasis (0.05%) — clinical significance of this difference is debated.
- Consistent long-term use is required for sustained benefit.
Commonly Associated Disease States
Select any disease state to explore its full entry in the Disease State Library.
This entry is an educational reference designed to support clinical reasoning and therapeutic awareness. It does not constitute medical advice, establish a standard of care, or replace individualized patient assessment. Clinicians should consult current prescribing information before initiating any therapy.