INTERACTIONS OF CYCLOSPORINE-A AND AMLODIPINE - BLOOD CYCLOSPORINE-A LEVELS, HYPERTENSION AND KIDNEY-FUNCTION

The introduction of cyclosporin A has led to improved survival of allo grafts in humans. However, the use of cyclosporin A is associated with an increased prevalence of hypertension in kidney transplant recipien ts. Renal vasoconstriction and enhancement of tubular reabsorption con tribute to this hypertensive effect. Concomitant treatment with calciu m channel blockers blocks or ameliorates most of these adverse effects . This paper reviews the short-term effects of the calcium channel blo cker amlodipine on plasma levels of cyclosporin A and its interaction with blood pressure and kidney function. J Hypertens 16 (suppl 4):S33- S38 (C) 1998 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins