CNI

Medical abbreviation · Drug Class

CNI
Stands forCalcineurin inhibitor
CategoriesMedical

CNI stands for Calcineurin inhibitor, a drug class abbreviation.

Immunosuppressants, tacrolimus and cyclosporine, that block calcineurin and the activation of T cells. They are the backbone of rejection prevention after kidney, liver, heart and lung transplantation, with voclosporin approved for lupus nephritis.

Example: CNI toxicity suspected: tacrolimus level 16, creatinine up 30%.

Usage notes

Side effects include kidney damage, high blood pressure, tremor, high potassium, low magnesium, new-onset diabetes and, rarely, posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. Many drugs and grapefruit alter CNI levels through CYP3A4. Topical calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus ointment, pimecrolimus cream) treat eczema with minimal absorption.

More drug class abbreviations

  • BTKi – Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor
  • BZD – Benzodiazepine
  • BZRA – Benzodiazepine receptor agonist
  • CAI – Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor
  • CCB – Calcium channel blocker
  • CDK4/6i – Cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor
  • COC – Combined oral contraceptive
  • COX-2 – Cyclooxygenase-2 selective inhibitor
  • DHP – Dihydropyridine
  • DMARD – Disease-modifying antirheumatic drug
  • DOAC – Direct oral anticoagulant
  • DORA – Dual orexin receptor antagonist

See all 113 drug class abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.