Cystaran (cysteamine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 0.44%)
An approved treatment for Cystinosis.
The same compound appears under different names depending on the context. Here is how to identify Cysteamine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 0.44% wherever you encounter it, plus the key facts at a glance.
- Generic name
- Cysteamine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 0.44%
- Brand name
- Cystaran
- Drug class
- Cystine-depleting agent (eye drop)
- Manufacturer
- Leadiant Biosciences
- How it's taken
- One drop in each eye every waking hour.
Cysteamine eye drops, approved October 2, 2012, that treat cystine crystals in the cornea of people with cystinosis, used every waking hour.
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Where Cysteamine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 0.44% fits
Used alongside cysteamine by mouth, because the pills do not clear crystals from the cornea.
How Cysteamine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 0.44% works
Cysteamine taken by mouth does not reach the cornea well, so crystals keep building up there and cause pain and light sensitivity. The drops deliver cysteamine straight to the eye, where it breaks the crystals down.
Mechanism: Dissolves cystine crystals in the cornea
Side effects and safety
The most common side effects, in about 10% or more of people, were light sensitivity, eye redness, eye pain or irritation, headache and visual field changes. The drops contain benzalkonium chloride, so contact lenses come out first and go back in 15 minutes later.
This is not a complete list of side effects. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what to expect and when to seek medical attention.
Taking Cysteamine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 0.44%
One drop in each eye every waking hour. A bottle is thrown away 1 week after it is opened.
Availability and cost
Only available as the brand-name product.
Help paying for Cystaran
Pick your insurance to see which help fits. Drugmaker copay cards can't be used with Medicare, Medicaid or TRICARE; charity funds are the usual route there.
- Copay help
Copay assistance for eligible patients, arranged through the dedicated case managers.
For: private insurance · source - Free medicine program
Patient assistance for eligible patients.
For: no insurance, underinsured · source - Insurance and case manager help
Help with ordering and insurance coverage from dedicated case managers.
For: private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, no insurance, underinsured · source
Development history
Approved by the FDA on October 2, 2012.
Explore Cystinosis trials
Other Cystinosis treatments
Common questions about Cysteamine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 0.44%
▸What is Cysteamine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 0.44% (Cystaran)?
Cysteamine eye drops, approved October 2, 2012, that treat cystine crystals in the cornea of people with cystinosis, used every waking hour.
▸How does Cysteamine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 0.44% work?
Cysteamine taken by mouth does not reach the cornea well, so crystals keep building up there and cause pain and light sensitivity. The drops deliver cysteamine straight to the eye, where it breaks the crystals down.
▸What are the side effects of Cysteamine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 0.44%?
The most common side effects, in about 10% or more of people, were light sensitivity, eye redness, eye pain or irritation, headache and visual field changes. The drops contain benzalkonium chloride, so contact lenses come out first and go back in 15 minutes later.
▸How is Cysteamine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 0.44% taken?
One drop in each eye every waking hour. A bottle is thrown away 1 week after it is opened.
▸Is Cysteamine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 0.44% FDA approved?
Yes, Cysteamine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 0.44% (Cystaran) is FDA approved (2012) for the treatment of Cystinosis.
Sources and references
Every factual claim on this page is drawn from the public sources listed below. Click any reference to open the original document.
- U.S. National Library of Medicine, DailyMed · 2025-04. CYSTARAN (cysteamine ophthalmic solution) 0.44%: prescribing information. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=b98ee838-ed23-42a9-93b5-72579e490fba