title: Tacrolimus ointment (Protopic) for atopic dermatitis.
abstract: Tacrolimus ointment (Protopic, Fujisawa) is an effective agent in a class of topical immunomodulators. Its mechanism of action is based on calcineurin inhibition, which results in decreased T-cell activation and inflammatory cytokine release. Tacrolimus ointment is safe and effective for short- and long-term treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) in pediatric and adult patients. The most common adverse events associated with its use are a transient burning sensation and pruritus at the site of application. Unlike topical corticosteroid agents, tacrolimus ointment does not cause a reduction in collagen synthesis or skin thickness. Because tacrolimus ointment does not cause skin atrophy, it may be safely used for months or years on all skin areas, including the face and intertriginous areas.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Hospital General de Alicantem, Alicante, Spain.
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Pascual
authors.forename: A B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Fleisher
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D065095:Calcineurin Inhibitors; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology; D015337:Multicenter Studies as Topic; D009824:Ointments; D019696:Peptidylprolyl Isomerase / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012449:Safety; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D065095:Calcineurin Inhibitors; D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D009824:Ointments; C117268:pimecrolimus; D019696:Peptidylprolyl Isomerase; D016559:Tacrolimus