Drug interactions
Calcium + Cyclosporine
Severity: Minor
Calcium and Cyclosporine: minor 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
Calcium may modestly alter cyclosporine absorption, and the evidence for a reduction is weak and inconsistent. Cyclosporine has a narrow therapeutic index, so any change in exposure may matter in transplant patients. Hypercalcemia can also add to renal vasoconstriction and nephrotoxicity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Calcium and Cyclosporine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Possible reduction of gastrointestinal absorption; mechanism not well established.
What to do
Separate dosing by about 2 hours and monitor cyclosporine trough levels and serum calcium when calcium therapy is started or changed.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Calcium
- Calcium + Ceftriaxone Contraindicated
- Acalabrutinib + Calcium Moderate
- Alendronate + Calcium Moderate
- Atazanavir + Calcium Moderate
- Baloxavir marboxil + Calcium Moderate
- Bendroflumethiazide + Calcium Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Calcium with Cyclosporine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Calcium and Cyclosporine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Calcium may modestly alter cyclosporine absorption, and the evidence for a reduction is weak and inconsistent. Cyclosporine has a narrow therapeutic index, so any change in exposure may matter in transplant patients. Hypercalcemia can also add to renal vasoconstriction and nephrotoxicity.
How serious is the interaction between Calcium and Cyclosporine?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Separate dosing by about 2 hours and monitor cyclosporine trough levels and serum calcium when calcium therapy is started or changed.
What other medicines interact with Calcium?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Calcium with, for example, Ceftriaxone, Acalabrutinib, Alendronate. The full list is on the Calcium page.
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