Drug interactions
Cyclosporin + Schisandra
Severity: Moderate
Cyclosporin and Schisandra: 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
Schisandra constituents inhibit CYP3A4 and may raise levels of CYP3A4 substrates such as cyclosporine. This can increase the risk of cyclosporine toxicity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cyclosporin and Schisandra 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.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP3A4 metabolism of cyclosporine by schisandra lignans.
What to do
Advise patients to avoid schisandra products, or monitor cyclosporine trough levels and renal function if use continues.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cyclosporin with Schisandra?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cyclosporin and Schisandra 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. Schisandra constituents inhibit CYP3A4 and may raise levels of CYP3A4 substrates such as cyclosporine. This can increase the risk of cyclosporine toxicity.
How serious is the interaction between Cyclosporin and Schisandra?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise patients to avoid schisandra products, or monitor cyclosporine trough levels and renal function if use continues.
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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