Tacrolimus is a potent immunosuppressive agent used to prevent transplant rejection.
- How to take
- Tacrolimus is taken by mouth. Intravenous Tacrolimus is highly toxic and is not recommended. It can be given through a nasogastric tube if the patient is not able to take it orally.
- Precautions
- Magnesium oxide, sodium bicarbonate, Sucralfate or other antacids should not be taken within two hours of taking Tacrolimus.
- Side effects
- When given in high doses (for treating rejection) it can cause tremors, burning and tingling in mouth, hands or feet; headache and insomnia (loss of sleep). These usually disappear with the reduction in dose.
- Nausea and vomiting
- High blood sugar
- High blood pressure
- Increased potassium levels in blood