Drug interactions
Cyclosporin + Hydroxychloroquine
Severity: Moderate
Cyclosporin and Hydroxychloroquine: 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
Hydroxychloroquine has been reported to raise cyclosporine concentrations, with a risk of cyclosporine toxicity including nephrotoxicity. The evidence is limited to case reports and small observations.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cyclosporin and Hydroxychloroquine 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.
Cyclosporin belongs to Miscellaneous; Hydroxychloroquine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Possible inhibition of P-glycoprotein and/or CYP-mediated metabolism of cyclosporine.
What to do
Monitor cyclosporine trough levels and serum creatinine when hydroxychloroquine is added. Reduce the cyclosporine dose if levels rise.
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?
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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 Hydroxychloroquine
- Arsenic trioxide + Hydroxychloroquine Contraindicated
- Cisapride + Hydroxychloroquine Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Hydroxychloroquine Contraindicated
- Hydroxychloroquine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Hydroxychloroquine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Hydroxychloroquine + Vandetanib Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cyclosporin with Hydroxychloroquine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cyclosporin and Hydroxychloroquine 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. Hydroxychloroquine has been reported to raise cyclosporine concentrations, with a risk of cyclosporine toxicity including nephrotoxicity. The evidence is limited to case reports and small observations.
How serious is the interaction between Cyclosporin and Hydroxychloroquine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor cyclosporine trough levels and serum creatinine when hydroxychloroquine is added. Reduce the cyclosporine dose if levels rise.
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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