Drug interactions
Schisandra + Tacrolimus
Severity: Moderate
Schisandra and Tacrolimus: 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 lignans inhibit CYP3A4 and have been shown to raise tacrolimus concentrations in studies. This may lead to tacrolimus toxicity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Schisandra and Tacrolimus 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
Schisandra constituents inhibit CYP3A4 and possibly P-glycoprotein, reducing tacrolimus clearance.
What to do
Avoid schisandra products where possible. If used, monitor tacrolimus troughs and renal function and reduce the dose as needed.
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 Tacrolimus
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
- Bcg vaccine live + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
- Cidofovir + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
- Cyclosporin + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
- Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
- Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Schisandra with Tacrolimus?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Schisandra and Tacrolimus 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 lignans inhibit CYP3A4 and have been shown to raise tacrolimus concentrations in studies. This may lead to tacrolimus toxicity.
How serious is the interaction between Schisandra and Tacrolimus?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid schisandra products where possible. If used, monitor tacrolimus troughs and renal function and reduce the dose as needed.
What other medicines interact with Tacrolimus?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Tacrolimus with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Bcg vaccine live, Cidofovir. The full list is on the Tacrolimus page.
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