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Question 18#

All of the following are side effects of cyclosporine administration for prevention of organ rejection EXCEPT:

A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hirsutism
C. Tremor
D. Bone marrow depression

Correct Answer is D

Comment:

The metabolism of cyclosporine is via the cytochrome P450 system, resulting in many significant drug interactions (see Table 1 1-1). Calcineurin inhibitors are nephrotoxic and constrict the afferent arteriole in a dose-dependent, reversible manner (Table below). They can also cause hyperkalemia and hypomagnesemia. Several neurologic complications, including headaches, tremor, and seizures, also have been reported. Cyclosporine has several undesirable cosmetic effects, including hirsutism and gingival hyperplasia. It is associated with a higher incidence of hypertension and hyperlipidemia than is tacrolimus.

Drug interactions and side effects associated with calcineurin inhibitors: