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DERMATOLOGICALS › OTHER DERMATOLOGICAL PREPARATIONS › OTHER DERMATOLOGICAL PREPARATIONS › Agents for dermatitis, excluding corticosteroids
tacrolimus
D11AH01
Adult Dosing
- Atopic dermatitis: Apply a thin layer to affected skin twice daily until clearance
- Continue use if signs and symptoms persist; re-evaluate if no improvement in 6 weeks
Pediatric Dosing
- Children 2 years and older (0.03% ointment only): Apply a thin layer to affected skin twice daily for up to 6 weeks
- Safety and efficacy in children under 2 years have not been established
Indications
- Short-term and intermittent long-term therapy in the second-line treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis
- Indicated in immunocompetent patients unresponsive to or intolerant of conventional therapies
Mechanism of Action
- Calcineurin inhibitor that binds to FKBP-12, inhibiting calcineurin phosphatase activity
- Suppresses T-lymphocyte activation and prevents release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators from mast cells
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to tacrolimus or any component of the formulation
- Netherton syndrome (increased systemic absorption risk)
Adverse Reactions
- Application site burning, stinging, and pruritus
- Skin erythema and irritation
- Alcohol intolerance (flushing)
- Increased risk of skin infections (e.g., herpes simplex, varicella zoster)
Drug Interactions
- Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., erythromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole) may increase systemic absorption if extensive skin barrier disruption is present
- Avoid concurrent use with other topical immunosuppressive therapies or phototherapy
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use