Cyclosporine and tacrolimus: a comparison of immunosuppressants used for liver transplantation.

The life expectancy of transplant patients has dramatically increased because of the development of cyclosporine to combat graft rejection. More recently, tacrolimus has been approved and is expected to further enhance survival. This paper compares these two medications and explores the role of the critical care nurse in monitoring outcomes and preventing side effects in patients with these immunosuppressants.