Safety and efficacy of tacrolimus ointment 0.1% (Protopic) in atopic dermatitis: a Canadian open-label multicenter study.
BACKGROUND
Most previously published trials of topical tacrolimus in atopic dermatitis were of relatively short duration and comprised a limited population with moderate-to-severe disease.


OBJECTIVE
The goal of the study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy over a 6-month period of tacrolimus 0.1% ointment in children and adults with a broader severity spectrum of atopic dermatitis.


METHODS
An open-label multicenter trial in patients 2 years and older was used. Primary safety and tolerability assessments included skin infection and application site adverse events. Efficacy parameters were body surface area involvement, pruritus score, and overall response.


RESULTS
There were 240 patients recruited at 23 study sites. Significant improvement from baseline was noted for all efficacy endpoints in both pediatric and adult patients. Skin infections occurred in 26% of patients. Burning sensation with product application, reported by 38% of patients, was transient and of mild-to-moderate severity in the majority.


CONCLUSIONS
Tacrolimus 0.1% ointment was safe, well tolerated, and efficacious in treatment of atopic dermatitis in children and adults over six months.
Tan
Jerry
J
Department of Medicine, University of Western Ontario, Windsor, Ontario, Canada. wcri@bellnet.ca
Langley
Richard
R
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D009824:Ointments; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D009824:Ointments; D016559:Tacrolimus