Ciclosporine in the Treatment of Psoriasis

• Ciclosporine works by calcineurin inhibition by intefering with T-lymphocyte transcription of IL-2.
• The long-term use of ciclosporine can be limited by the two major side effects of renal toxicity and hypertension.
• More recently it has been used in a short term approach via intermittent three- to four-month intervals, either to obtain a quick response before transitioning to another agent, or to control a flare in a patient on stable systemic therapy.
• Dosing is usually started at 4-5 mg/kg/d and then tapering as clearance is achieved.

Kalb. R 2013 (07) – Kalb. R. Treatment of Psoriasis in the Age of Biologics – 25th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Dermatological Society of Singapore (DSS) – Singapore