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Drug interactions

Cholic acid + Cyclosporin

Severity: Moderate

Cholic acid 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

Cyclosporine inhibits the bile salt export pump, which can cause conjugated bile salts to accumulate in hepatocytes. This may blunt the benefit of cholic acid and cause liver injury or cholestasis.

What this interaction means in plain words

Cholic acid 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.

Cholic acid belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Cyclosporin belongs to Miscellaneous.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Cyclosporine inhibits BSEP, impairing biliary excretion of bile acids.

What to do

Avoid the combination where possible; if necessary, monitor serum transaminases and bilirubin regularly. Stop cholic acid if liver toxicity 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?

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 Cholic acid with Cyclosporin?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cholic acid 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. Cyclosporine inhibits the bile salt export pump, which can cause conjugated bile salts to accumulate in hepatocytes. This may blunt the benefit of cholic acid and cause liver injury or cholestasis.

How serious is the interaction between Cholic acid 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: Avoid the combination where possible; if necessary, monitor serum transaminases and bilirubin regularly. Stop cholic acid if liver toxicity develops.

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.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

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