Drug Interaction Report

Rabeprazole and Cyclosporine Ophthalmic: Interaction Details

AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature

Cyclosporine Ophthalmic

Cequa Cequa® Restasis® Vevye
+

Rabeprazole

Aciphex AcipHex® AcipHex® Sprinkles
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Medically reviewed by
Updated Aug 8, 2026
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Interaction severity
Moderate
Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
How we grade severity & evidence

Severity levels

  • Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
  • Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
  • Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
  • Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.

Evidence grades

  • Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
  • Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
  • Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
  • Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
  • Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.

Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.

Of 28 documented Rabeprazole interactions, 7 are rated moderate — including this one.
Onset
unspecified
Evidence
theoretical
Severity
Moderate

What happens

Increased cycloSPORINE exposure

Interaction Deep Dive

Caution is advised if cycloSPORINE and rabeprazole are coadministered as this may result in increased cycloSPORINE exposure. According to an in vitro incubation study utilizing human liver microsomes, rabeprazole inhibited cycloSPORINE metabolism with a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 62 micromolars, although the concentration of rabeprazole causing this interaction was over 50 times higher than the Cmax achieved in healthy volunteers following 14 days of dosing with rabeprazole 20 mg. The degree of inhibition caused by rabeprazole is thought to be comparable to that caused by omeprazole at equivalent concentrations1.

Why it happens (mechanism)

Inhibition of cycloSPORINE metabolism by rabeprazole

Common questions

Can I take Rabeprazole and Cyclosporine Ophthalmic together?

Increased cycloSPORINE exposure Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.

How serious is the Rabeprazole and Cyclosporine Ophthalmic interaction?

It is rated moderate. Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.

How quickly could this interaction happen?

The documented onset is "unspecified". The timing of this interaction is not well characterized.

How strong is the evidence for this interaction?

The evidence is graded "theoretical". Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.

Questions for your pharmacist

  • Does my dose of Rabeprazole or Cyclosporine Ophthalmic need adjusting while I take them together?
  • What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
  • Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
  • Is there anything you'd monitor while I'm on both?

References (1)

  1. Product Information: ACIPHEX(R) oral delayed release tablets, rabeprazole sodium oral delayed release tablets. Eisai Inc, Woodcliff Lake, NJ, 2010. DailyMed
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Beyond drug–drug

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major · moderate · minor — check everything you take with our drug–supplement interaction checker.

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This information is for education, not a substitute for professional medical advice. Do not start, stop, or change any medication without talking to your pharmacist or prescriber.