What is Cyclosporine?
Cyclosporine is a prescription medication available in various forms, including oral capsules, oral solutions, and eye drops. There is also an injectable form administered by healthcare professionals. Brand names for cyclosporine include Gengraf, Neoral and Sandimmune. This immunosuppressive drug is used to:
- Prevent organ transplant rejection
- Treat inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis
Cyclosporine Uses
- Preventing Transplant Rejection: Cyclosporine is often combined with other medications to prevent rejection in kidney, liver or heart transplant recipients.
- Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis: Used alone or with methotrexate (Rheumatrex) for patients who have not responded to methotrexate alone.
- Managing Psoriasis: Helps patients with psoriasis who have not responded to other treatments.
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Get A Second OpinionCyclosporine Side Effects
Common Side Effects:
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn
- Gas
- Increased hair growth on the face and arms
- Acne
- Burning or tingling in the hands
- Muscle or joint pain
- Muscle cramps
- Ear problems
- Depression
- Difficulty sleeping
Serious Side Effects:
- Unusual bleeding
- Pale skin
- Seizures
- Rash
- Purple blotches on the skin
- Swelling of the hands, arms, and ankles
Note: If you experience serious side effects, consult your doctor immediately.
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Book an AppointmentPrecautions for Cyclosporine Medicine
Before taking cyclosporine, inform your doctor if you have any allergies or medical conditions such as:
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- High blood pressure
- Cancer
- Skin lesions
- History of radiation treatment
- Mineral imbalance
Cyclosporine can make you more susceptible to infections. Avoid contact with people who have contagious illnesses (e.g., chickenpox, measles, flu). Consult your doctor if you suspect exposure to an infection.
How to Use Cyclosporine
- Cyclosporine is available as capsules and a liquid solution for oral use.
- Typically taken once or twice daily. Consistency is key, take it at the same time every day.
- Your doctor may adjust your dosage based on your condition and response to treatment.
- Often starts with a high dose, gradually reduced.
- Usually starts with a low dose, gradually increased.
Dosage and Strength
Generic: Cyclosporine
Form: oral capsule (25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg)
Brand: Gengraf
Form: oral capsule (25 mg and 100 mg)
Brand: Neoral
Form: oral capsule (25 mg and 100 mg)
Dosage for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older): 2.5 mg/ kg should be taken per day which should be divided into two doses i.e. 1.25 mg/kg per dose.
Dosage for Psoriasis
Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older): 2.5 mg/ kg should be taken per day which should be divided into two doses i.e. 1.25 mg/kg per dose.
Overdose
It's possible that you have dangerously high levels of the drug in your system. An overdose of this medication can cause the following symptoms:
- Your skin or the eyes can turn yellow.
- Swelling of arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
Contact your doctor or seek advice if you think you've taken too much of this medication.
Interactions
Several other drugs may interfere with cyclosporine. Different experiences may have varying outcomes. Some, for example, can hinder a drug's efficacy and others can improve side effects. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all prescriptions, over-the-counter, and other medications you're taking before starting cyclosporine. Also, let them know if you take any vitamins, herbs, or supplements. You may prevent future interactions by sharing this information. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns about drug interactions that might concern you. Some drugs that can interact with Cyclosporine are Ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, tobramycin, azithromycin, clarithromycin, ibuprofen, and ketoconazole.
Warnings for Some Serious Health Conditions
Kidney and Liver Disorders
The drug can damage your kidneys and liver. High doses of cyclosporine can exacerbate kidney or liver problems.
Pregnant or Breastfeeding
Talk with your doctor if you are pregnant. The medication should be only used during the pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the potential risk to the fetus.
Cyclosporine is excreted in breast milk and may have severe side effects. If you're breastfeeding, let your doctor know. Ethanol is present in Sandimmune capsules (alcohol). The presence of ethanol and other ingredients in the drug can pass into breast milk and cause serious side effects in a breastfed infant.
Storage
Direct contact with heat, air, and light may damage your medicines. Exposure to medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.
Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Cyclosporine vs Tacrolimus
| Cyclosporine | Tacrolimus |
|---|---|
| Cyclosporine is a prescription drug that comes in the form of an oral capsule, oral solution, and eye drops. It’s an injectable form that is only given by a doctor. | Tacrolimus ointment is a topical (skin-applied) medication used to treat atopic dermatitis (eczema). |
| Cyclosporine is used in combination with other drugs to avoid transplant rejection in recipients of kidney, liver, or heart transplants. | This medication is used with other medications for preventing rejection of kidney, heart, and liver transplants. It belongs to the class of medication called immunosuppressants. |
The most common side effects of Cyclosporine are:
|
Some of the common side effects of tacrolimus are:
|
Citations
Cyclosporine, ID:10.1056/NEJM198912213212507A double-masked comparison of 0.1% tacrolimus ointment and 2% cyclosporine eye drops in the treatment of vernal keratoconjunctivitis in children
