Drug interactions
Cyclosporin + Polymyxin b
Severity: Major
Cyclosporin and Polymyxin b: 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 drugs are independently nephrotoxic, and polymyxin B also carries neurotoxic and ototoxic potential. Used together they can cause additive kidney injury, which in turn raises cyclosporine exposure and toxicity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cyclosporin and Polymyxin b 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; Polymyxin b belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Additive nephrotoxicity from cyclosporine-induced renal vasoconstriction and polymyxin-induced tubular cell damage.
What to do
Avoid the combination where alternatives exist; otherwise monitor serum creatinine, urine output and cyclosporine trough levels frequently and adjust the cyclosporine dose.
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 Polymyxin b
- Cidofovir + Polymyxin b Contraindicated
- Colistin + Polymyxin b Contraindicated
- Acyclovir + Polymyxin b Major
- Adefovir + Polymyxin b Major
- Amikacin + Polymyxin b Major
- Amphotericin b + Polymyxin b Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cyclosporin with Polymyxin b?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Cyclosporin and Polymyxin b 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 drugs are independently nephrotoxic, and polymyxin B also carries neurotoxic and ototoxic potential. Used together they can cause additive kidney injury, which in turn raises cyclosporine exposure and toxicity.
How serious is the interaction between Cyclosporin and Polymyxin b?
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 the combination where alternatives exist; otherwise monitor serum creatinine, urine output and cyclosporine trough levels frequently and adjust the cyclosporine dose.
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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