Drug interactions
Cyclosporine + Sulphasalazine
Severity: Minor
Cyclosporine and Sulphasalazine: minor 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
Sulfasalazine is a substrate of the efflux transporter BCRP, which limits its intestinal absorption. Cyclosporine can inhibit BCRP and may raise sulfasalazine exposure. The clinical significance is likely modest but could increase sulfasalazine adverse effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cyclosporine and Sulphasalazine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Inhibition of BCRP-mediated efflux of sulfasalazine by cyclosporine increases its systemic absorption.
What to do
Monitor for sulfasalazine adverse effects such as GI intolerance, rash and cytopenias, and check blood counts and liver tests periodically. Reduce the sulfasalazine dose if toxicity appears.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Cyclosporine and Sulphasalazine, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
Other interactions of Sulphasalazine
- Deferiprone + Sulphasalazine Major
- Pexidartinib + Sulphasalazine Major
- Sepiapterin + Sulphasalazine Major
- Acalabrutinib + Sulphasalazine Moderate
- Aceclofenac + Sulphasalazine Moderate
- Asciminib + Sulphasalazine Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cyclosporine with Sulphasalazine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Cyclosporine and Sulphasalazine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Sulfasalazine is a substrate of the efflux transporter BCRP, which limits its intestinal absorption. Cyclosporine can inhibit BCRP and may raise sulfasalazine exposure. The clinical significance is likely modest but could increase sulfasalazine adverse effects.
How serious is the interaction between Cyclosporine and Sulphasalazine?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for sulfasalazine adverse effects such as GI intolerance, rash and cytopenias, and check blood counts and liver tests periodically. Reduce the sulfasalazine dose if toxicity appears.
What other medicines interact with Sulphasalazine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Sulphasalazine with, for example, Deferiprone, Pexidartinib, Sepiapterin. The full list is on the Sulphasalazine page.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
