• Basic Info
• Clinical Info

What is this medicine?

CYCLOSPORINE (SYE kloe spor een) is used to decrease the immune system's response to a transplanted organ.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• cancer
• high blood pressure
• immune system problems
• infection
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• previous coal tar, PUVA, ultraviolet, or radiation therapy
• an unusual or allergic reaction to cyclosporine, alcohol, corn oil, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Do not take with grapefruit juice. Swallow the capsules whole. Do not chew or break the capsule. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Take the capsules at the same time each day and at the same time in relation to meals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 6 months for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. Call your doctor or health care professional if you miss more than one dose or if you miss doses on a regular basis.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• bosentan
• cidofovir
• cisapride
• mibefradil
• ranolazine
• red yeast rice, monascus purpureus
• St. John's wort
• tacrolimus

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• acyclovir
• allopurinol
• amiloride
• amiodarone
• bromocriptine
• carbamazepine
• certain antibiotics
• cimetidine
• colchicine
• danazol
• digoxin
• female hormones, including contraceptive or birth control pills
• imatinib
• medicines for fungal infections like amphotericin B, fluconazole, itraconazole, terbinafine, and ketoconazole
• medicines for blood pressure like diltiazem, nicardipine, verapamil, enalapril, ramipril, and losartan
• medicines for cholesterol like lovastatin, simvastatin, atorvastatin, and fenofibrate
• medicines for HIV infection like indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, and saquinavir
• medicines that suppress the immune system
• melphalan
• methotrexate
• metoclopramide
• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• octreotide
• orlistat
• oxcarbazepine
• phenobarbital
• phenytoin
• ranitidine
• sirolimus
• spironolactone
• steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone
• sulfinpyrazone
• ticlopidine
• triamterene
• vaccines
• voriconazole

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

Last Updated: March 02, 2009