Drug interactions
Cyclosporin + Potassium citrate
Severity: Major
Cyclosporin and Potassium citrate: 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
Cyclosporine reduces renal potassium excretion, so added potassium can cause hyperkalemia. Risk is higher with renal impairment.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cyclosporin and Potassium citrate 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; Potassium citrate belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract.
Why it happens
Additive hyperkalemia from cyclosporine-induced reduced renal potassium secretion plus potassium supplementation.
What to do
Monitor serum potassium and renal function regularly, and avoid unnecessary potassium supplementation. Adjust or stop potassium citrate if hyperkalemia develops.
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 Potassium citrate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cyclosporin with Potassium citrate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Cyclosporin and Potassium citrate 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. Cyclosporine reduces renal potassium excretion, so added potassium can cause hyperkalemia. Risk is higher with renal impairment.
How serious is the interaction between Cyclosporin and Potassium citrate?
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 serum potassium and renal function regularly, and avoid unnecessary potassium supplementation. Adjust or stop potassium citrate if hyperkalemia develops.
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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