Drug interactions
Cyclosporin + Potassium phosphates
Severity: Major
Cyclosporin and Potassium phosphates: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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 can cause hyperkalemia through reduced renal potassium excretion. Intravenous potassium phosphates add a potassium load, which could cause dangerous hyperkalemia and arrhythmias, particularly with renal impairment.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cyclosporin and Potassium phosphates 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.
Why it happens
Additive potassium load with cyclosporine-induced reduction in renal potassium excretion.
What to do
Monitor serum potassium, phosphate, calcium and renal function closely, and use the lowest effective dose and infusion rate.
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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References
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 Potassium phosphates?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Cyclosporin and Potassium phosphates 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 can cause hyperkalemia through reduced renal potassium excretion. Intravenous potassium phosphates add a potassium load, which could cause dangerous hyperkalemia and arrhythmias, particularly with renal impairment.
How serious is the interaction between Cyclosporin and Potassium phosphates?
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, phosphate, calcium and renal function closely, and use the lowest effective dose and infusion rate.
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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