Cyclosporine: what clinicians need to know.

Abstract

Cyclosporine is known to be highly efficacious for the treatment of psoriasis as well as several other dermatologic conditions. Because of its profound anti-inflammatory properties and a side-effect profile that differs from other agents, such as methotrexate, the availability of cyclosporine confers certain advantages in meeting the challenges of treating recalcitrant psoriasis. In short-term use, cyclosporine can induce dramatic improvements in psoriasis, especially patients who present with intense inflammation. Because of nephrotoxicity and the possible development of hypertension, however, its utility in long-term usage, especially continuous usage beyond 1 year, is still to be defined. With contemporary attempts to use combination and rotational therapies to maximize therapeutic efficacy and minimize risk of long-term side effects, cyclosporine is definitely a welcome addition to our current armamentarium in the treatment of psoriasis.

• Authors: J Koo, J Lee
• Journal: Dermatologic clinics (Dermatol Clin) Vol. 13 Issue 4 Pg. 897-907 (Oct 1995) ISSN: 0733-8635 [Print] United States
• PMID: 8785893 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Immunosuppressive Agents
• Cyclosporine

Topics

• Cyclosporine (administration & dosage, adverse effects, pharmacokinetics, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Immunosuppressive Agents (administration & dosage, adverse effects, pharmacokinetics, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Patient Selection
• Psoriasis (drug therapy)