Drug interactions
Cyclosporin + Trimethoprim
Severity: Moderate
Cyclosporin and Trimethoprim: 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
Both drugs raise serum potassium, so hyperkalemia can occur, particularly with high doses or renal impairment. Trimethoprim may also increase serum creatinine.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cyclosporin and Trimethoprim 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; Trimethoprim belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Cyclosporine reduces renal potassium secretion and trimethoprim blocks epithelial sodium channels, additively causing hyperkalemia.
What to do
Monitor serum potassium and creatinine within the first week and periodically thereafter. Avoid other potassium-raising drugs and consider an alternative antibiotic if hyperkalemia develops.
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 Trimethoprim
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cyclosporin with Trimethoprim?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cyclosporin and Trimethoprim 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. Both drugs raise serum potassium, so hyperkalemia can occur, particularly with high doses or renal impairment. Trimethoprim may also increase serum creatinine.
How serious is the interaction between Cyclosporin and Trimethoprim?
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 serum potassium and creatinine within the first week and periodically thereafter. Avoid other potassium-raising drugs and consider an alternative antibiotic 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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