title: The use of cyclosporine in dermatology: part I.
abstract: Cyclosporine is a calcineurin inhibitor that acts selectively on T cells. It has been used in dermatology since 1997 for its US Food and Drug Administration indication of psoriasis and off-label for various other inflammatory skin conditions, including atopic dermatitis, blistering disorders, and connective tissue diseases. In the last decade, many dermatologists have hesitated to use this important drug in their clinical practices because of its toxicity profile. The purpose of this article is to review the mechanism of action of cyclosporine and its current uses and dosing schedules. It is our goal to create a framework in which dermatologists feel comfortable and safe incorporating cyclosporine into their prescribing regimens.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  After completing this learning activity, participants should be able to describe the mechanism of action of cyclosporine, recognize the potential role of cyclosporine in dermatology and the evidence to support this role, and incorporate cyclosporine into his or her prescribing regimens.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology at the University of Texas, Houston, Texas, USA.
authors.forename: Karrie T
authors.initials: KT
authors.lastname: Amor
authors.forename: Caitriona
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ryan
authors.forename: Alan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Menter
mesh_terms: D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003880:Dermatology; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing; D006801:Humans; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D016572:Cyclosporine