Topical tacrolimus 0.03% ointment for intractable allergic conjunctivitis: an open-label pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the feasibility of tacrolimus 0.03% dermatological ointment (Protopic) in the treatment of intractable allergic conjunctivitis.


METHODS
Twenty patients (mean age 10.8 years, range 6-26) with intractable allergic conjunctivitis were enrolled in an open-label study. Tacrolimus 0.03% ointment was applied into the conjunctival sac of both eyes twice daily for 8 weeks, followed by a 2-week washout period. Other ocular medications were discontinued. Conjunctivitis severity was recorded with a composite subjective/objective score (chemosis, tarsal papillary size, corneal staining, tearing, itching, and photophobia) at baseline, week 8, and after washout. Tacrolimus blood levels were measured at 2 weeks.


RESULTS
Statistically significant improvement in all categories of the conjunctivitis score was observed between baseline and the week 8 examination (p < 0.001). Adverse events were limited to local burning in one patient who discontinued treatment. Blood tacrolimus levels were mostly undetectable.


CONCLUSIONS
Application of tacrolimus 0.03% dermatological ointment into the conjunctival sac appears to be effective, well tolerated, and safe in the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis refractory to traditional treatment.
Attas-Fox
Liat
L
Department of Ophthalmology, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel. liattas@yahoo.com
Barkana
Yaniv
Y
Iskhakov
Vladimir
V
Rayvich
Svetlana
S
Gerber
Yariv
Y
Morad
Yair
Y
Avni
Isaac
I
Zadok
David
D
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D003233:Conjunctivitis, Allergic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D009824:Ointments; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D009824:Ointments; D016559:Tacrolimus