Cyclosporine
Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressant medication that works by inhibiting calcineurin, a key enzyme in the activation of T-cells, thereby reducing immune responses. It is primarily used to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients and to treat various autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and certain kidney diseases.
Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressant that prevents organ rejection and treats autoimmune conditions by inhibiting T-cell activation.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- L04AD01
- RxNorm
- 3008
- Generic
- Cyclosporine
- Class
- atc-l04
- Brands
- Optimmune, Sandimmune, Neoral, Cequa, Cyclavance, Verkazia, Gengraf, Vevye, Sporimune, Modulis, Restasis, Atopica
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- ophthalmic, oral
- Forms
- suspension, injection, ointment, solution, capsule
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse lowest effective dose if essential
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks; consider alternative therapies
regular fetal monitoring including ultrasound assessments
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
close monitoring of maternal blood pressure and renal function required
monitor maternal blood pressure, renal function, and fetal growth
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue breastfeeding
cyclosporine is excreted in breast milk; breastfeeding not recommended during treatment
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
children 1 year and olderweight-based dosing typically 2-6 mg/kg/day
used for atopic dermatitis and transplant prophylaxis; monitor growth and development
regular monitoring of blood pressure, renal function, and drug levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderly 65 years and olderstart at lower end of dosing range
use with caution due to increased susceptibility to nephrotoxicity and hypertension
frequent monitoring of renal function, blood pressure, and drug levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe creatinine clearance below 30 ml minsignificant dose reduction required; monitor levels closely
use with extreme caution; cyclosporine is nephrotoxic
frequent monitoring of serum creatinine, BUN, and drug trough levels; monitor every 1-2 weeks initially
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severedose reduction may be required
use with caution; cyclosporine is metabolized in liver
regular monitoring of liver function tests and drug levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Pharmacological classification of Cyclosporine
FDA approval year
FDA approval timeline for Cyclosporine
Common uses
Primary therapeutic applications
Mechanism of action
Pharmacodynamic properties
Cyclosporine is used to prevent rejection of organ and bone marrow transplants, treat autoimmune conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and nephrotic syndrome. It may also be used for severe inflammatory bowel disease and other immune-mediated disorders.
As a calcineurin inhibitor, cyclosporine binds to cyclophilin to form a complex that inhibits calcineurin, preventing the dephosphorylation and nuclear translocation of NFAT. This blocks IL-2 gene transcription, suppressing T-lymphocyte activation and proliferation.
Cyclosporine requires regular therapeutic drug monitoring due to narrow therapeutic windows. Common side effects include nephrotoxicity, hypertension, hirsutism, and gum hyperplasia. Live vaccines should be avoided during treatment. Interactions with many drugs including azoles, macrolides, and NSAIDs require careful management.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy