Cyclosporine (Non-Modified)

Cyclosporine (non-modified) is an immunosuppressant medication used to prevent organ transplant rejection. Unlike the modified formulation, its absorption is erratic, highly variable, and dependent on the presence of food and bile in the gastrointestinal tract. It is not bioequivalent to modified cyclosporine (such as Gengraf or Neoral) and cannot be substituted on a 1:1 basis without close medical supervision and blood concentration monitoring.

Dosage by Body Weight

Dosage must be highly individualized and adjusted based on blood trough concentrations, organ type, and clinical response. Typically administered in two divided doses daily at the same times relative to meals. Avoid grapefruit juice.

  1. Body Weight
    Below 5 kg
    Dose
    Requires exact weight-based calculation
    Frequency
    Every 12 hours (twice daily)
    Tracking Notes
    Commonly initiated at 5 to 7.5 mg/kg per dose (10 to 15 mg/kg/day total). Requires strict therapeutic drug monitoring.
  2. Body Weight
    5-7 kg
    Dose
    25 mg to 52.5 mg per dose
    Frequency
    Every 12 hours (twice daily)
    Tracking Notes
    Calculated using a standard pediatric transplant starting dose of 10-15 mg/kg/day divided BID. Adjust based on blood trough levels.
  3. Body Weight
    8-10 kg
    Dose
    40 mg to 75 mg per dose
    Frequency
    Every 12 hours (twice daily)
    Tracking Notes
    Based on 10-15 mg/kg/day starting dose. Dosages must be titrated to target blood trough concentrations to avoid renal toxicity.
  4. Body Weight
    11-15 kg
    Dose
    55 mg to 112.5 mg per dose
    Frequency
    Every 12 hours (twice daily)
    Tracking Notes
    Based on 10-15 mg/kg/day starting dose. Dose varies significantly depending on the transplanted organ and concurrent medications.
  5. Body Weight
    16-20 kg
    Dose
    80 mg to 150 mg per dose
    Frequency
    Every 12 hours (twice daily)
    Tracking Notes
    Based on 10-15 mg/kg/day starting dose. Administer consistently with respect to meals and time of day.

Formulation

CapsuleOral SolutionIntravenous Injection

Purpose

Prevention of organ rejection in kidney, liver, and heart allogeneic transplants, and treatment of chronic graft-versus-host disease.

Generic Name

Cyclosporine (Non-Modified)

Branded Drug Names

Cyclosporine (Non-Modified) is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:

Scheduled Drug

Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.

Alternatives

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. WHO references and weight bands are simplified for tracking and must not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting or changing any medication.