top of page
Writer's pictureTeresa Mendoza, PharmD

Med of the Week: Cyclosporine



Cyclosporine feature with organs and a pill

Cyclosporine can increase your patient’s risk of developing severe infections. Dentists should also be aware of the drug interactions with steroids, narcotics, NSAIDs, Lidocaine, and Epinephrine. Read on to learn more:


Generic Name: Cyclosporine

Brand Name(s): Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune

Pronunciation: SYE kloe SPOR een


About this drug:

  • Cyclosporine is used together with other medications to prevent the body from rejecting a transplanted organ.

  • It may also be used to treat psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis.


Dentistry-related tidbits:

  • Cyclosporine may cause thrombocytopenia, stomatitis, and gingival overgrowth.

  • This medication may increase the risk for neoplasia and infection, exacerbate existing infections, and delay wound healing. Monitor patients closely if they have a dental infection or have undergone recent dental surgery. 

  • Patients should avoid Alcohol to prevent an increased risk of dizziness and liver problems.

  • Remind patients not to drive or engage in activities that require alertness until they know how this medication affects them as it may cause dizziness and headache.

  • Monitor blood pressure and heart rate when administering Lidocaine (Xylocaine) in combination with Cyclosporine, as it may increase the risk of hypotension and bradycardia. Lidocaine levels may also increase, and the risk may be higher with continuous infusion or high doses of local anesthesia.

  • This medication may cause hypertension. Always check the patient’s blood pressure and pulse before each procedure.

  • Monitor blood pressure when giving a patient Epinephrine while taking Cyclosporine as this combination may increase the risk of hypertension. 

  • If prescribing an NSAID to a patient taking Cyclosporine, speak with the patient's physician, as the patient will need a follow-up serum creatinine and blood pressure check.

  • Avoid prescribing high doses of corticosteroids. The combination with Cyclosporine may cause hypertension and a dangerous neurotoxicity side effect.

  • Exercise caution when prescribing narcotics, benzodiazepines, or any other sedating medication in combination with Cyclosporine to avoid an increased risk of CNS and respiratory depression, or diminished psychomotor function. Do not prescribe the narcotics Hydrocodone or Tramadol with this medication to avoid the increased risk for QT prolongation and cardiac arrhythmias. 

  • The tetracycline antibiotic Doxycycline in combination with Cyclosporine may increase the risk for intracranial hypertension. Before prescribing any medication, use the Rx Check tool to prevent potential drug interactions or adverse effects.


Fun facts:

  • Cyclosporine suppresses the immune system by inhibiting T-lymphocyte activation.

  • Patients taking Cyclosporine should avoid consuming grapefruit products as this combination may increase the risk of nephrotoxicity and serious infection.

  • Cyclosporine was first intended to be used as an antifungal but it was found to have immunologic properties which made it convenient for immunosuppression therapy. 

  • Birth control may increase the levels of Cyclosporine and the risk of serious infection, hypertension, hyperkalemia, and nephrotoxicity.


Join us in ending smile denial™️ by signing up for the Digital Drug Handbook™️ today!


Comments


bottom of page