Anaphylactic reaction and cardiopulmonary arrest following intravenous cyclosporine

Cyclosporine, a new immunosuppressive agent useful in recipients of a variety of organ transplants, has been associated with a number of adverse effects, most notably nephrotoxicity. This report describes a woman about to undergo liver transplantation in whom intravenous administration of cyclosporine was associated with an apparent anaphylactic reaction resulting in cardiopulmonary arrest. Similar reactions have thus far not been reported after oral administration of cyclosporine. Intravenous cyclosporine must be administered under close supervision and should be avoided in any patients with a history of prior allergic reactions to the drug or to a component of its intravenous formulation.