(cyclosporine)
-For the control of atopic dermatitis in dogs. 

Caution:
Federal (USA) Law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. Keep this and all drugs out of reach of children.
Description:
ATOPICA (cyclosporine capsules USP) MODIFIED is an oral form of cyclosporine that immediately forms a microemulsion in an aqueous environment. Cyclosporine, the active ingredient in ATOPICA, is a cyclic polypeptide, immune modulating agent consisting of 11 amino acids. It is produced as a metabolite by the fungal species Beauveria nivea.
Chemically, cyclosporine A is designated [R-[R*,R*-(E)]]-cyclic-(L-alanyl-D-alanyl-N-methyl-L-leucyl-N-methyl-L-leucyl-N-methyl-L-valyl-3-hydroxy-N, 4-dimethyl-L-2-amino-6-octenoyl-L-α-amino-butyryl-N-methylglycyl-N-methyl-L-leucyl-L-valyl-N-methyl-L-leucyl). The structural formula is:

ATOPICA Capsules contain cyclosporine formulated together with inactive ingredients. ATOPICA is available in 10, 25, 50, and 100 mg capsule strengths in color-coded packaging for oral administration to dogs.
Indications:
ATOPICA is indicated for the control of atopic dermatitis in dogs weighing at least 4 lbs body weight.
Dosage and Administration:
The initial daily dose of ATOPICA is 5 mg/kg/day (3.3-6.7 mg/kg/day) as a single daily dose for 30 days. Following this initial daily treatment period, the dose of ATOPICA may be tapered by decreasing the frequency of dosing to every other day or two times a week, until a minimum frequency is reached which will maintain the desired therapeutic effect. ATOPICA should be given at least one hour before or two hours after a meal. If a dose is missed, the next dose should be administered (without doubling) as soon as possible, but dosing should be no more frequent than once daily.