Topical tacrolimus and pimecrolimus in the treatment of oral lichen planus: an update.
BACKGROUND
The search for new drugs capable of controlling the symptoms and signs of oral lichen planus (OLP) with minimal side-effects remains an important challenge.


OBJECTIVE
A literature review is made to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of topical tacrolimus and pimecrolimus in the treatment of OLP.


METHODS
A review was made of the studies published between 1999 and 2008 in relation to the topical application of tacrolimus and pimecrolimus in OLP.


RESULTS
The data obtained point to the need for larger randomized, placebo-controlled studies with carefully selected and standardized endpoints, to allow adequate comparison between treatments. The adverse effects were fundamentally of a local nature, and in particular included burning sensation in the application zone. All the studies consulted found the treatment to be effective over short periods of time, with lesion recurrences after suppression of the drug. The long-term safety remains to be established.


CONCLUSIONS
There is need for larger placebo-controlled, randomized studies with carefully selected and standardized outcome measures.
López-Jornet
Pía
P
Department of Oral Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Odontology, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain. majornet@um.es
Camacho-Alonso
Fabio
F
Salazar-Sanchez
Noemi
N
D000287:Administration, Topical; D065095:Calcineurin Inhibitors; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017676:Lichen Planus, Oral / Q000188:drug therapy*; D019696:Peptidylprolyl Isomerase / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012449:Safety; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D065095:Calcineurin Inhibitors; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; C117268:pimecrolimus; D019696:Peptidylprolyl Isomerase; D016559:Tacrolimus