Drug interactions
Cyclosporin + Foscarnet
Severity: Major
Cyclosporin and Foscarnet: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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 are nephrotoxic, and combined use can cause additive kidney injury and electrolyte disturbances. Foscarnet can also induce seizures through low calcium and magnesium.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cyclosporin and Foscarnet 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.
Cyclosporin belongs to Miscellaneous; Foscarnet belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Additive nephrotoxicity from cyclosporin-induced afferent vasoconstriction and foscarnet tubular toxicity.
What to do
Avoid if alternatives exist; otherwise ensure hydration and monitor serum creatinine, calcium, magnesium and cyclosporin 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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Cyclosporin and Foscarnet, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
References
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 Foscarnet
- Cidofovir + Foscarnet Contraindicated
- Foscarnet + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Foscarnet + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Foscarnet + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Foscarnet Major
- Adefovir + Foscarnet Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cyclosporin with Foscarnet?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Cyclosporin and Foscarnet 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. Both drugs are nephrotoxic, and combined use can cause additive kidney injury and electrolyte disturbances. Foscarnet can also induce seizures through low calcium and magnesium.
How serious is the interaction between Cyclosporin and Foscarnet?
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 if alternatives exist; otherwise ensure hydration and monitor serum creatinine, calcium, magnesium and cyclosporin 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.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
