Drug interactions
Cyclosporin + Nicardipine
Severity: Major
Cyclosporin and Nicardipine: 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
Nicardipine can raise cyclosporine blood concentrations and increase the risk of nephrotoxicity. Cyclosporine may in turn increase nicardipine exposure, leading to hypotension or edema.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cyclosporin and Nicardipine 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; Nicardipine belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Nicardipine inhibits CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, reducing cyclosporine clearance, while cyclosporine can inhibit nicardipine metabolism.
What to do
Monitor cyclosporine trough levels and renal function when nicardipine is started, changed or stopped, and reduce the cyclosporine dose if needed. Monitor blood pressure.
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 Nicardipine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cyclosporin with Nicardipine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Cyclosporin and Nicardipine 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. Nicardipine can raise cyclosporine blood concentrations and increase the risk of nephrotoxicity. Cyclosporine may in turn increase nicardipine exposure, leading to hypotension or edema.
How serious is the interaction between Cyclosporin and Nicardipine?
MediHelp rates it major, 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 renal function when nicardipine is started, changed or stopped, and reduce the cyclosporine dose if needed. Monitor blood pressure.
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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