Description

Contents
Ciclosporin

Indications/Uses
Usually in combination w/ corticosteroids (& often w/ other immunosuppressants), in organ & tissue transplantation for the prophylaxis of graft rejection; in severe forms of atopic dermatitis, psoriasis or RA & in nephrotic syndrome.

Dosage/Direction for Use
Solid organ transplantation Initially 10-15 mg/kg given in 2 divided doses 4-12 hr pre-op & continued for 1-2 wk post-op. Maintenance dose: 2-6 mg/kg/day. Bone marrow transplantation Initially, 1st dose given via IV, starting on the day before transplantation. Oral therapy given at a dose of 12.5 mg/kg/day in 2 divided doses for 3-6 mth before gradually w/drawn. RA Recommended dose: 2.5 mg/kg/day in 2 divided doses for the 1st 6 wk. May be increased subsequently to a max of 4 mg/kg/day. Psoriasis Initially 2.5 mg/kg/day in 2 divided doses. May be increased to a max of 5 mg/kg/day if there is no improvement after 1 mth. Atopic dermatitis 2.5-5 mg/kg/day in 2 divided doses for a max of 8 wk. May be increased to a max of 5 mg/kg/day if necessary after 2 wk. Nephrotic syndrome To induce remission: Adult 5 mg/kg/day. Childn 6 mg/kg/day. To be given in 2 divided doses. Mild renal impairment Max: 2.5 mg/kg/day.

Administration
May be taken with or without food: Take consistently w/ regard to time of day & relation to meals. Avoid grapefruit juice.

Contraindications
Hypersensitivity. Rheumatoid arthritis & psoriasis patients w/ abnormal renal function, uncontrolled HTN or malignancies. Psoriasis patients should not receive concomitant PUVA or UVB therapy, methotrexate or other immunosuppressive agents, coal tar or radiation therapy.