Drug interactions
Cyclosporin + Gentamicin
Severity: Major
Cyclosporin and Gentamicin: major 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 gentamicin and cyclosporine are nephrotoxic, and combining them considerably raises the risk of acute kidney injury. Aminoglycosides may also cause ototoxicity, which can be worsened by renal impairment and accumulating levels.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cyclosporin and Gentamicin 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; Gentamicin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Additive nephrotoxicity from tubular injury (gentamicin) and renal vasoconstriction (cyclosporine).
What to do
Avoid if alternatives exist; otherwise monitor serum creatinine, gentamicin levels and cyclosporine troughs frequently, keeping aminoglycoside courses short.
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?
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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 Gentamicin
- Cidofovir + Gentamicin Contraindicated
- Adefovir + Gentamicin Major
- Amikacin + Gentamicin Major
- Amlodipine-hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan + Gentamicin Major
- Amphotericin b deoxycholate + Gentamicin Major
- Amphotericin b + Gentamicin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cyclosporin with Gentamicin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Cyclosporin and Gentamicin 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 gentamicin and cyclosporine are nephrotoxic, and combining them considerably raises the risk of acute kidney injury. Aminoglycosides may also cause ototoxicity, which can be worsened by renal impairment and accumulating levels.
How serious is the interaction between Cyclosporin and Gentamicin?
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 monitor serum creatinine, gentamicin levels and cyclosporine troughs frequently, keeping aminoglycoside courses short.
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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