Drug interactions
Benazepril + Cyclosporine
Severity: Moderate
Benazepril and Cyclosporine: 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
Both drugs can reduce glomerular filtration, and cyclosporine also raises potassium. Together they can cause a decline in renal function and hyperkalemia, particularly in patients who are volume depleted or have underlying kidney disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Benazepril and Cyclosporine 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.
Why it happens
Cyclosporine causes afferent arteriolar vasoconstriction while ACE inhibition dilates the efferent arteriole, additively lowering glomerular filtration pressure; both also promote potassium retention.
What to do
Monitor serum creatinine and potassium at the start of therapy and after dose changes. Reduce the dose or stop one agent if renal function worsens or hyperkalemia develops.
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 Benazepril
- Aliskiren + Benazepril Contraindicated
- Benazepril + Sacubitril / valsartan Contraindicated
- Benazepril + Sacubitril-valsartan Contraindicated
- Amifostine + Benazepril Major
- Amiloride + Benazepril Major
- Amlodipine-hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan + Benazepril Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Benazepril with Cyclosporine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Benazepril and Cyclosporine 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. Both drugs can reduce glomerular filtration, and cyclosporine also raises potassium. Together they can cause a decline in renal function and hyperkalemia, particularly in patients who are volume depleted or have underlying kidney disease.
How serious is the interaction between Benazepril and Cyclosporine?
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 serum creatinine and potassium at the start of therapy and after dose changes. Reduce the dose or stop one agent if renal function worsens or hyperkalemia develops.
What other medicines interact with Benazepril?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Benazepril with, for example, Aliskiren, Sacubitril / valsartan, Sacubitril-valsartan. The full list is on the Benazepril page.
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