Drug interactions
Cyclosporin + Vancomycin
Severity: Major
Cyclosporin and Vancomycin: major 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 are nephrotoxic, and their combination increases the risk of acute kidney injury. Vancomycin can also cause ototoxicity, which may be additive with the effects of cyclosporin on the kidney, and renal impairment will raise cyclosporin concentrations.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cyclosporin and Vancomycin 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; Vancomycin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Additive nephrotoxicity, with reduced renal function secondarily raising exposure to both drugs.
What to do
Monitor serum creatinine, vancomycin troughs or AUC and cyclosporin troughs closely. Use the shortest vancomycin course possible and consider alternatives if renal function deteriorates.
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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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 Vancomycin
- Amikacin + Vancomycin Major
- Bacitracin + Vancomycin Major
- Capreomycin + Vancomycin Major
- Cephaloridine + Vancomycin Major
- Cidofovir + Vancomycin Major
- Cisplatin + Vancomycin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cyclosporin with Vancomycin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Cyclosporin and Vancomycin 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 are nephrotoxic, and their combination increases the risk of acute kidney injury. Vancomycin can also cause ototoxicity, which may be additive with the effects of cyclosporin on the kidney, and renal impairment will raise cyclosporin concentrations.
How serious is the interaction between Cyclosporin and Vancomycin?
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 creatinine, vancomycin troughs or AUC and cyclosporin troughs closely. Use the shortest vancomycin course possible and consider alternatives if renal function deteriorates.
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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