The effect of food on cyclosporine absorption.

The high lipophilicity of cyclosporine A (CsA) and the importance of bile for its absorption suggest that food may alter the absorption of CsA. Food has been reported to have varied effects on the absorption of CsA. Study methodology may explain the conflicting reports. Factors which were not well controlled in these studies include time post transplant, fat and caloric content of a meal, the inherent gastric emptying pattern of a patient, and concurrent disease processes which may alter gastric emptying. Based on available information, patients should be instructed to take their CsA consistently in relation to the timing and composition of meals in order to minimize absorption variability.