Calcineurin inhibitors: a novel approach to canine atopic dermatitis.
The introduction of calcineurin inhibitors represents a major addition to the armamentarium of drugs available to veterinary clinicians for the management of allergic skin diseases. Both cyclosporine and tacrolimus have been proven to be well tolerated and effective for the treatment of atopic dermatitis in dogs. Although broad spectrum in their mechanism of action, they lack the major adverse effects of glucocorticoids and provide an appealing alternative to traditional therapies. The purposes of this article are to review clinically relevant information regarding these agents and to provide tips for maximizing the benefit obtained from these therapies.
Marsella
Rosanna
R
Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610-0126, USA.
D000818:Animals; D065095:Calcineurin Inhibitors; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004285:Dogs; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000276:immunology; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D065095:Calcineurin Inhibitors; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D016572:Cyclosporine; D016559:Tacrolimus