Drug interactions
Cyclosporin + Quinine
Severity: Moderate
Cyclosporin and Quinine: 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 inhibits P-glycoprotein and may raise quinine exposure, increasing the chance of cinchonism, QT prolongation and hypoglycemia. Quinine has also been reported to alter cyclosporine concentrations in some patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cyclosporin and Quinine 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; Quinine belongs to Anti Parasitic.
Why it happens
Cyclosporine inhibits P-glycoprotein efflux of quinine, and both drugs are CYP3A4 substrates, so exposure may rise.
What to do
Monitor for quinine toxicity (tinnitus, QT prolongation, hypoglycemia) and check cyclosporine trough levels when quinine is started or stopped.
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 Quinine
- Arsenic trioxide + Quinine Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Quinine Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Quinine Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Quinine Contraindicated
- Mefloquine + Quinine Contraindicated
- Nilotinib + Quinine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cyclosporin with Quinine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cyclosporin and Quinine 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 inhibits P-glycoprotein and may raise quinine exposure, increasing the chance of cinchonism, QT prolongation and hypoglycemia. Quinine has also been reported to alter cyclosporine concentrations in some patients.
How serious is the interaction between Cyclosporin and Quinine?
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 for quinine toxicity (tinnitus, QT prolongation, hypoglycemia) and check cyclosporine trough levels when quinine is started or stopped.
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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