Drug interactions
Calcium carbonate + Cyclosporin
Severity: Minor
Calcium carbonate and Cyclosporin: 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
Oral calcium carbonate may lower the absorption of oral cyclosporine, resulting in reduced blood concentrations and a risk of under-immunosuppression. The effect is variable and is mainly a concern in transplant recipients with narrow target ranges.
What this interaction means in plain words
Calcium carbonate and Cyclosporin 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 carbonate belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Cyclosporin belongs to Miscellaneous.
Why it happens
Possible binding or reduced gastrointestinal absorption of cyclosporine in the presence of the antacid; the mechanism is not firmly established.
What to do
Separate doses by about 2 hours and check cyclosporine trough levels if calcium carbonate is started or stopped regularly.
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 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 Calcium carbonate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Calcium carbonate with Cyclosporin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Calcium carbonate and Cyclosporin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Oral calcium carbonate may lower the absorption of oral cyclosporine, resulting in reduced blood concentrations and a risk of under-immunosuppression. The effect is variable and is mainly a concern in transplant recipients with narrow target ranges.
How serious is the interaction between Calcium carbonate and Cyclosporin?
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 doses by about 2 hours and check cyclosporine trough levels if calcium carbonate is started or stopped regularly.
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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