Sandimmun Neoral- 100mg (Ciclosporin Capsule) 100 MG

Sandimmun Neoral is an immunosuppressant used to manage conditions involving the immune system. It is primarily indicated for the following:

• Organ transplant rejection: Prevents rejection of transplanted organs such as kidney, liver, and heart.
• Severe psoriasis: Treats severe, recalcitrant plaque psoriasis in patients who have not responded to other systemic therapies.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: Used in severe cases where the disease has not responded adequately to methotrexate.

• Ciclosporin works by inhibiting calcineurin, a phosphatase enzyme in T-lymphocytes. This inhibition suppresses the production of interleukin-2 and other cytokines, thereby reducing T-cell activation and proliferation. This immunosuppressive effect helps prevent organ rejection and reduces inflammation in autoimmune conditions.

Sandimmun Neoral can cause various side effects, ranging from common to serious. Common side effects include:

Common Side Effects

• Headache
• Tremors
• High blood pressure
• Kidney problems
• Increased hair growth
• Nausea and vomiting
• Gingival hyperplasia

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Severe kidney damage
• Liver toxicity
• Increased risk of infections
• Development of certain types of cancer, such as skin cancer and lymphoma
• Severe allergic reactions
• Neurological effects such as seizures and confusion

Sandimmun Neoral should be used with caution and under medical supervision. Important precautions include:

• Regular monitoring: Frequent monitoring of kidney function and blood pressure is essential.
• Infection risk: Patients should be monitored for signs of infection due to immunosuppression.
• Pregnancy: Should be used during pregnancy only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
• Drug interactions: Avoid concomitant use with nephrotoxic drugs and other immunosuppressants.
• Storage: Store below 25°C: keep in the original pack, protect from moisture.

Sandimmun Neoral can interact with various medications, potentially altering its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. Major and moderate interactions include:

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Nephrotoxic drugs: Such as aminoglycosides and NSAIDs, which can increase the risk of kidney damage.
• Immunosuppressants: Concomitant use with other immunosuppressants can increase the risk of severe infections and malignancies.
• Antihypertensive drugs: May require dose adjustments due to changes in blood pressure.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Antifungal agents: Such as ketoconazole, which can increase ciclosporin levels.
• Antibiotics: Such as erythromycin, which can also increase ciclosporin levels.
• Anticonvulsants: Such as phenytoin, which can decrease ciclosporin levels.