Drug interactions
Cyclosporin + Imipenem / cilastatin
Severity: Moderate
Cyclosporin and Imipenem / cilastatin: 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
Concurrent use may increase the risk of neurotoxicity, including confusion and seizures. Case reports also describe variable changes in cyclosporine concentrations.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cyclosporin and Imipenem / cilastatin 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.
Why it happens
Additive CNS excitatory effects; the effect on cyclosporine levels is not established.
What to do
Monitor for neurologic symptoms and cyclosporine trough levels during therapy. Consider a different antibiotic if neurotoxicity appears.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cyclosporin with Imipenem / cilastatin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cyclosporin and Imipenem / cilastatin 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. Concurrent use may increase the risk of neurotoxicity, including confusion and seizures. Case reports also describe variable changes in cyclosporine concentrations.
How serious is the interaction between Cyclosporin and Imipenem / cilastatin?
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 for neurologic symptoms and cyclosporine trough levels during therapy. Consider a different antibiotic if neurotoxicity appears.
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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