Drug interactions
Amiodarone + Cyclosporin
Severity: Major
Amiodarone and Cyclosporin: major interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Amiodarone can increase cyclosporine concentrations, raising the risk of nephrotoxicity, hypertension and neurotoxicity. Cyclosporine may also affect amiodarone exposure, and amiodarone adds its own cardiac effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amiodarone and Cyclosporin can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Amiodarone belongs to Cardiovascular; Cyclosporin belongs to Miscellaneous.
Why it happens
Amiodarone inhibits CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, reducing cyclosporine clearance, and cyclosporine may in turn reduce amiodarone metabolism.
What to do
Monitor cyclosporine trough levels and renal function closely, reducing the cyclosporine dose as needed. Monitor ECG and heart rate for amiodarone effects.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Cyclosporin
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Cyclosporin Contraindicated
- Aliskiren + Cyclosporin Contraindicated
- Bcg vaccine live + Cyclosporin Contraindicated
- Bosentan + Cyclosporin Contraindicated
- Cidofovir + Cyclosporin Contraindicated
- Cyclosporin + Dengue vaccine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Amiodarone
- Amiodarone + Amisulpride Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Arsenic trioxide Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Droperidol Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Eliglustat Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amiodarone with Cyclosporin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amiodarone and Cyclosporin can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Amiodarone can increase cyclosporine concentrations, raising the risk of nephrotoxicity, hypertension and neurotoxicity. Cyclosporine may also affect amiodarone exposure, and amiodarone adds its own cardiac effects.
How serious is the interaction between Amiodarone and Cyclosporin?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor cyclosporine trough levels and renal function closely, reducing the cyclosporine dose as needed. Monitor ECG and heart rate for amiodarone effects.
What other medicines interact with Cyclosporin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cyclosporin with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Aliskiren, Bcg vaccine live. The full list is on the Cyclosporin page.
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