Generic
Tacrolimus
Indications
Tacrolimus ointment is indicated for short-term and intermittent long-term therapy in the treatment of patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in whom the use of alternative, conventional therapies are deemed inadvisable because of potential risks, or in the treatment of patients who are ... Read moreTacrolimus ointment is indicated for short-term and intermittent long-term therapy in the treatment of patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in whom the use of alternative, conventional therapies are deemed inadvisable because of potential risks, or in the treatment of patients who are not adequately responsive to or are intolerant of alternative, conventional therapies. Tacrolimus ointment is also indicated in other skin conditions such as chronic cutaneous graft-vs-host disease, hand and foot eczema, allergic contact dermatitis, vitiligo, psoriasis, lichen planus, facial lichen, vulvar lichen sclerosus, pyoderma gangrenosum, leg ulcers in rheumatoid arthritis, steroid-induced rosacea & alopecia areata, annular erythema, chronic actinic dermatitis and recalcitrant facial erythema.
Pharmacology
Tacrolimus is a macroiide immunomodulator produced by fungus, Streptomyces tsukubaensis. It has been demonstrated that Tacrolimus inhibits T-lymphocyte activation by first binding to an intracellular protein, FKBP-12. A complex of Tacrolimus-FKBP-12, calcium, calmodulin, and calcineurin is then formed and the phosphatase activity of calcineurin is inhibited. This leads to a general decrease in the entire inflammatory cascade.
Contraindications
Pregnancy Category C. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of topically administered Tacrolimus in pregnant women. Although systemic absorption of Tacrolimus following topical applications of Tacrolimus ointment is minimal relative to systemic administration, it is known that Tacrolimus is excreted in human milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from Tacrolimus, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
Side Effects
Cautions should be exercised while treatment with Tacrolimus ointment in patients with atopic dermatitis predisposed to superficial skin infections. The safety of Tacrolimus ointment has not been established in patients with generalized erythroderma.
Pregnancy And Lactation
Tacrolimus ointment is not for oral use. Accidental oral ingestion of Tacrolimus ointment may lead to adverse effects associated with systemic administration of Tacrolimus. If oral ingestion occurs, medical advice should be sought.
Therapeutic
Cautions should be exercised while treatment with Tacrolimus ointment in patients with atopic dermatitis predisposed to superficial skin infections. The safety of Tacrolimus ointment has not been established in patients with generalized erythroderma.
Storage Conditions
Tacrolimus ointment is not for oral use. Accidental oral ingestion of Tacrolimus ointment may lead to adverse effects associated with systemic administration of Tacrolimus. If oral ingestion occurs, medical advice should be sought.
Over The Counter Products
