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Drug interactions

Bacitracin + Cyclosporin

Severity: Major

Bacitracin 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

Systemic bacitracin is nephrotoxic, and combining it with cyclosporine adds to the risk of acute kidney injury. Parenteral bacitracin has largely been withdrawn for this reason.

What this interaction means in plain words

Bacitracin 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.

Bacitracin belongs to Miscellaneous; Cyclosporin belongs to Miscellaneous.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive nephrotoxicity: cyclosporine causes renal vasoconstriction while bacitracin causes direct tubular injury.

What to do

Avoid systemic bacitracin in patients taking cyclosporine and choose a non-nephrotoxic alternative. If unavoidable, monitor serum creatinine and cyclosporine levels frequently.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Bacitracin with Cyclosporin?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Bacitracin 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. Systemic bacitracin is nephrotoxic, and combining it with cyclosporine adds to the risk of acute kidney injury. Parenteral bacitracin has largely been withdrawn for this reason.

How serious is the interaction between Bacitracin 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: Avoid systemic bacitracin in patients taking cyclosporine and choose a non-nephrotoxic alternative. If unavoidable, monitor serum creatinine and cyclosporine levels frequently.

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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