Master Cyclosporine (Sandimmune) Overview with Picmonic for Nursing RN

Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressant medication used to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients. Cyclosporine works by inhibiting an enzyme called calcineurin that is responsible for production of cytokines, such as IL-2.

Inhibition of calcineurin suppresses production of cytokines, such as IL-2, that are responsible for producing B cells and cytotoxic T cells. By decreasing production of these cells, cyclosporin effectively suppresses the patient’s immune system.

Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressant medication, usually given with a glucocorticoid, used to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients. Unlike other immunosuppressants, this medication does not suppress the bone marrow.

Psoriasis is an inflammatory disorder that causes overproduction of keratinocytes, or skin cells. Inflammatory T cells play a key role in the development of this disorder and are likely responsible for secreting cytokines that lead to excessive proliferation of keratinocytes. Cyclosporine is used to treat psoriasis by suppressing the production of cytokines.

In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system produces cytokines that attack synovial tissue, producing inflammation and joint destruction. Cyclosporine is used to suppress the production of cytokines, thus slowing the progression of the disease.

Therapeutic levels of cyclosporine must be maintained in order to effectively prevent organ transplant rejection. Plasma levels should be monitored periodically to ensure that levels do not become toxic or subtherapeutic.

Patients taking cyclosporine should not drink grapefruit juice. Grapefruit juice prevents the drug from being metabolized and can lead to toxicity.

Cyclosporine, when combined with other immunosuppressant medications, can increase a patient’s risk of developing lymphomas.