Drug interactions
Cyclosporin + Mefloquine
Severity: Moderate
Cyclosporin and Mefloquine: 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 may increase mefloquine concentrations, and mefloquine has also been reported to lower cyclosporine levels in some cases. Evidence is limited, but neuropsychiatric and cardiac adverse effects of mefloquine are a concern.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cyclosporin and Mefloquine 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; Mefloquine belongs to Anti Parasitic.
Why it happens
Cyclosporine may inhibit CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, reducing mefloquine clearance; effects on cyclosporine are not well defined.
What to do
Monitor cyclosporine trough levels and watch for mefloquine neuropsychiatric effects. Consider an alternative antimalarial if feasible.
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 Mefloquine
- Arsenic trioxide + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Levoketoconazole + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Mefloquine + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Mefloquine + Pimozide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cyclosporin with Mefloquine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cyclosporin and Mefloquine 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 may increase mefloquine concentrations, and mefloquine has also been reported to lower cyclosporine levels in some cases. Evidence is limited, but neuropsychiatric and cardiac adverse effects of mefloquine are a concern.
How serious is the interaction between Cyclosporin and Mefloquine?
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 watch for mefloquine neuropsychiatric effects. Consider an alternative antimalarial if feasible.
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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