Drug interactions
Cyclosporin + Valsartan
Severity: Major
Cyclosporin and Valsartan: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: Health Canada product monograph
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 can raise serum potassium, and cyclosporin constricts the afferent renal arteriole while valsartan relaxes the efferent arteriole, so the glomerular filtration rate may fall. Cyclosporin may also increase valsartan exposure. The result can be hyperkalemia and worsening renal function.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cyclosporin and Valsartan 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; Valsartan belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Additive hyperkalemic and haemodynamic renal effects, plus possible inhibition of OATP-mediated valsartan uptake by cyclosporin.
What to do
Check serum potassium and creatinine at baseline and regularly after starting or changing doses. Avoid potassium supplements and reduce the valsartan dose or stop it if hyperkalemia or a rise in creatinine 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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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
Other interactions of Valsartan
- Aliskiren + Valsartan Contraindicated
- Sparsentan + Valsartan Contraindicated
- Aldesleukin + Valsartan Major
- Amifostine + Valsartan Major
- Amiloride + Valsartan Major
- Amlodipine-benazepril + Valsartan Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cyclosporin with Valsartan?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Cyclosporin and Valsartan 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. Both drugs can raise serum potassium, and cyclosporin constricts the afferent renal arteriole while valsartan relaxes the efferent arteriole, so the glomerular filtration rate may fall. Cyclosporin may also increase valsartan exposure. The result can be hyperkalemia and worsening renal function.
How serious is the interaction between Cyclosporin and Valsartan?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Check serum potassium and creatinine at baseline and regularly after starting or changing doses. Avoid potassium supplements and reduce the valsartan dose or stop it if hyperkalemia or a rise in creatinine 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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