Drug interactions
Azithromycin + Cyclosporin
Severity: Moderate
Azithromycin and Cyclosporin: moderate 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
Azithromycin may increase cyclosporine concentrations in some patients, though less than other macrolides. Raised levels may cause nephrotoxicity or neurotoxicity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Azithromycin and Cyclosporin can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Azithromycin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Cyclosporin belongs to Miscellaneous.
Why it happens
Azithromycin may inhibit P-glycoprotein efflux, increasing cyclosporine absorption and reducing clearance.
What to do
Monitor cyclosporine trough levels and serum creatinine during and after azithromycin therapy, and adjust the dose if needed.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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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 Azithromycin
- Azithromycin + Cisapride Contraindicated
- Azithromycin + Domperidone Contraindicated
- Azithromycin + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Azithromycin + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Azithromycin + Piperaquine Contraindicated
- Azithromycin + Thioridazine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Azithromycin with Cyclosporin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Azithromycin and Cyclosporin can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Azithromycin may increase cyclosporine concentrations in some patients, though less than other macrolides. Raised levels may cause nephrotoxicity or neurotoxicity.
How serious is the interaction between Azithromycin and Cyclosporin?
MediHelp rates it moderate, 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 serum creatinine during and after azithromycin therapy, and adjust the dose if needed.
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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