title: Tacrolimus: focusing on atopic dermatitis.
abstract: Tacrolimus ointment is an effective treatment for atopic dermatitis. As a calcineurin inhibitor, it works through the FK-binding protein, inhibiting calcineurin and preventing dephosphorylation of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT). Systemic absorption from the drug is minimal, allowing a favorable safety profile. In head-to-head clinical trials with pimecrolimus, tacrolimus proved to be a more effective treatment. Tacrolimus ointment has also been compared to standard topical cortico-steroid treatments and is equally effective if not superior to several topical steroids. Overall, tacrolimus ointment is a safe and effective treatment for atopic dermatitis and can be used as an adjunctive treatment to standard management with topical corticosteroids.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157-1071, USA.
authors.forename: Christie L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Carroll
authors.forename: Alan B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Fleischer
mesh_terms: D019703:Calcineurin / Q000378:metabolism; D065095:Calcineurin Inhibitors; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009824:Ointments; D010766:Phosphorylation / Q000187:drug effects; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D065095:Calcineurin Inhibitors; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D009824:Ointments; D019703:Calcineurin; D016559:Tacrolimus