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Cystaran

cysteamine

Used for Lysosomal Storage Disease

Cystaran (cysteamine) is a first-choice treatment option to decrease the amount of cystine in your eyes if you have a condition that causes buildup of an amino acid called cystine in your body. These drops need to be given every hour.

Reviewed by:

Hope Chang, PharmD, AAHIVP

Allison Gourley, PharmD

Last reviewed on August 30, 2021

Basics Side effects Pros & cons Pharmacist tips FAQs Warnings Dosage Alternatives Images Prices Medicare

What is Cystaran (cysteamine)?

What is Cystaran (cysteamine) used for?

Treatment of cystine crystals in the eyes in people who have an abnormal buildup of cystine in the body (cystinosis)

How Cystaran (cysteamine) works

Cystaran (cysteamine) is a cystine-depleting agent. It lowers the amount of cystine in your eyes to prevent crystals from forming.

Are you looking for information on Cystagon or Procysbi (cysteamine) oral capsules instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsCystaran, Cystadrops

Drug ClassCystine-depleting agent

Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication

Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available

AvailabilityPrescription only

What are the side effects of Cystaran (cysteamine)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Eyes sensitive to light
Red eyes
Eye pain or irritation
Vision changes
Headache

Source: FDA

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
New or worsening eye pain, redness, irritation, or discharge

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

Blurry vision
Eye irritation or itching
Increased tears after use

Pros and cons of Cystaran (cysteamine)

Pros

First-choice treatment option to prevent crystal deposits in the eye

Can be used in children

Not many side effects

No need to adjust the dose for kidney or liver problems

Cons

Drops need to be given every hour while you're awake.

Needs to be refrigerated or frozen until you're ready to use them

Must remove contact lenses before using these drops

Can be expensive, and you might have to get it from a specialty pharmacy

Pharmacist tips for Cystaran (cysteamine)

Cystaran (cysteamine) should be used every hour while you're awake. There's no need to wake yourself up if you're sleeping. You can set an alarm during the day to help you remember to use your eye drops.

Be careful not to let the dropper tip touch your eyelid or anything else. This can cause bacteria to spread to the medication, which can lead to eye infections.

Cystaran 0.44% brand: Store the unused Cystaran (cysteamine) medication bottles in the original container in the freezer. Once you're ready to use it, take the bottle out the day before and let it thaw. Once thawed, the medication is good for one week at room temperature. After seven days, throw any remaining medication away.

Cystadrops 0.37% brand: Store the unused Cystadrops medication bottles in the original container in the refrigerator. Once you're ready to use it, the medication is good for one week at room temperature. Do not put the medication back in the refrigerator after opening. After seven days, throw any remaining medication away.

If you are using Cystadrops at the same time as other eye medications, wait 10 minutes between each drop to give your eyes time to absorb each medication. If you are using any eye ointments, these should be applied into your eye last.

If you wear contacts, take them out before using the eye drops. You can put them back in 15 minutes after putting in the drop. Since you have to use these eye drops many times a day, it might be better to avoid contact lenses while using this medication.

Frequently asked questions about Cystaran (cysteamine)

Do I have to use Cystaran (cysteamine) if I'm already taking the oral medication?

If your provider has prescribed Cystaran (cysteamine) and the oral form of the medication, you should take both. Sometimes, the medications that you take by mouth don't reach your eyes in high enough levels. This means you have to use an eye drop form to help make sure you get enough of the medication.

How quickly does Cystaran (cysteamine) work?

Cystaran (cysteamine) start working right away to lower the amount of cystine in your eye. It doesn't last very long though, which is why you need to use it every hour while you're awake.

Can I keep my contact lenses in while using Cystaran (cysteamine)?

Cystaran (cysteamine) contains a preservative that can be absorbed by your contacts, so you should take them out before putting these drops in your eyes. It might be better to wear glasses while using Cystaran (cysteamine), since you have to use these eye drops many times a day.

How should I store the Cystaran (cysteamine) medication?

You should store unopened Cystaran bottles in the freezer and unopened Cystadrops bottles in the refrigerator. After each week, take out a new bottle to thaw so that you can use it during the following week and keep it at room temperature. Check out the Pharmacist Tips section below for more information.

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What are the risks and warnings for Cystaran (cysteamine)?

Cystaran (cysteamine) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Safe topical ophthalmic use

Cystaran (cysteamine) are only to be used as eye drops. Don't use them for treating other conditions. Make sure you keep the dropper clean and don't let the dropper tip touch anything. Keep the bottle closed tightly whenever you're not using it. This can help prevent the spread of germs to the medication, which can cause an eye infection.

Contact lens use

You should remove your contact lenses before using Cystaran (cysteamine) drops. There is a preservative in the medication called benzalkonium chloride that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. If you want, you can put your contact lenses back in 15 minutes after putting the drops in your eyes.

Benign intracranial hypertension

The oral cysteamine tablets can cause high blood pressure in the brain. Some people using Cystaran (cysteamine) have also developed this condition, but these people were also taking the oral tablets at the same time. Let your provider know if you start to have headaches often, neck stiffness, or changes in your vision.

Cystaran (cysteamine) dosage forms

Typical dosing for Cystaran (cysteamine)

The recommended dose is 1 drop in each eye every hour (only for the hours that you're awake).

This medication has two strengths called by different brand names. Cystaran contains 0.44% of cysteamine, and Cystadrops contains 0.37% of cysteamine.

What are alternatives to Cystaran (cysteamine)?

There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Cystaran (cysteamine). Compare a few possible alternatives below.

Cystaran (cysteamine)

Used for:

Treatment of cystine crystals in the eyes in people who have an abnormal buildup of cystine in the body (cystinosis)

View Prices

Cystagon (cysteamine)