Which statement about cyclosporine-associated metabolic disturbances is most accurate?

• A. It causes only hyperglycemia.
• B. It can cause hyperkalemia and hypomagnesemia.
• C. It improves potassium balance.
• D. It does not affect electrolyte balance.

Answer: (B)

Cyclosporine can disrupt kidney function in a way that changes electrolyte handling. As a calcineurin inhibitor, it often causes nephrotoxicity with tubular dysfunction, which commonly leads to high potassium (hyperkalemia) and low magnesium (hypomagnesemia). The kidney’s ability to excrete potassium is impaired, and magnesium is lost in the distal tubule, producing the characteristic mix of these disturbances. This combination is a recognized pattern with cyclosporine therapy, while it does not simply cause hyperglycemia or leave electrolyte balance untouched. So the statement that it can cause hyperkalemia and hypomagnesemia best captures the metabolic effects seen with cyclosporine.