Generic name:tacrolimus (topical route) [ ta-KROE-li-mus ]
Drug class:Miscellaneous topical agents
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 27, 2022.
Long-term safety of topical calcineurin inhibitors has not been established and rare cases of malignancy (eg, skin and lymphoma) have been reported in patients treated with topical calcineurin inhibitors, including tacrolimus ointment. Avoid continuous long-term use in any age group, and apply to limited areas of involvement with atopic dermatitis. Not indicated for use in children younger than 2 years of age. Only 0.03% tacrolimus ointment is indicated for use in children 2 to 15 years of age .
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Protopic
Available Dosage Forms:
- Ointment
Therapeutic Class: Antipsoriatic
Pharmacologic Class: Calcineurin Inhibitor
Uses for Protopic
Tacrolimus topical is used on the skin to treat moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in patients who have received other medicines that have not worked well. Atopic dermatitis is a skin condition where there is itching, redness, and inflammation, much like an allergic reaction. Tacrolimus helps to suppress these symptoms which are reactions caused by the body's immune system.
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using Protopic
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specif..
