Cyclosporin is an immunosuppressant which inhibits calcineurin so that the production of interleukin II will be suppressed as well. This lowers the activity of T-lymphocytes and hence the immune system. Cyclosporin is used for the prophylaxis and treatment of organ transplant rejections, graft-versus-host disease, nephrotic syndrome, moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis, active rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and eczema.
Cyclosporin can be taken orally as tablets and solution. It can also be used as eye drops or injection through the veins. Listed below are the indications and the dosages.
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca
Child above 16 years of age, adult and elderly
0.05% eye drop emulsion: 1 drop into each eye twice daily.
1 mg/mL eye drop emulsion: 1 drop into the affected eye once daily at bedtime.
Common side effects of Cyclosporin include hypertension, headache, hypertrichosis, excessive hair, tremor and increased serum creatinine.
For intravenous Cyclosporin:
For Cyclosporin eye drops:
There are more contraindications to Cyclosporin, especially for rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis patients. Please notify your physician of your conditions before being administered Cyclosporin.
Common dosing schedule:
Oral Cyclosporin and Cyclosporin eye drops are used in 2 divided doses, preferably in the morning and at bedtime. If oral Cyclosporin is not available for organ transplantation, intravenous Cyclosporin is administered by your physician.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Cyclosporin may interact with:
Cyclosporin may interact with many other medications. Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Cyclosporin is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Cyclosporin in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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