Tacrolimus Ointment

Tacrolimus ointment, also known as Protopic, is a reliable solution for treating and managing severe atopic dermatitis (eczema). It is a non-steroid topical medication approved as a second-line treatment for eczema in non-immunocompromised children and adults.

Tacrolimus ointment contains tacrolimus 0.03% or 0.1% as the main ingredient. The medicine is ideal for patients who cannot use other medications to treat eczema for various reasons or whose condition is non-responsive to other treatments.

Besides treating eczema, you can use tacrolimus ointment for other immunological skin disorders. These include vitiligo, lichen planus, psoriasis, pyoderma gangrenosum, alopecia areata, and discoid lupus.

Benefits of Tacrolimus Ointment

Tacrolimus can effectively manage eczema and reduce the itching, swelling, and inflammation associated with the condition. Unlike steroid treatments, tacrolimus ointment does not cause skin thinning. You can therefore use it on your face, neck, and flexures. The medicine is ideal for various immunological skin conditions including, discoid lupus, psoriasis, and vitiligo.

How to Administer Tacrolimus Ointment

Administer tacrolimus ointment according to your doctor’s instructions. Avoid using too much or too little of the ointment, or using it longer than your doctor recommends. When administering tacrolimus ointment, wash your hands and then apply a thin layer of the ointment on the affected area, and rub it in slowly and gently. Do not cover the area with a bandage, wrap, or dressing after applying the medication, although you can cover it with normal clothing.

Wash your hands with water and soap after application. If you are treating your hands, don’t wash them after applying the ointment. Also, avoid showering or swimming immediately after using the medicine, as water can wash away the treatment. Since eczema usually occurs on dry skin, you may use moisturizers after applying the treatment. Inform your doctor about your skincare products to ensure you are using the right ones for you.

Dosage

Tacrolimus 0.1% is only for use by 16 year-olds and above, while children between 2 and 15 years should use Tacrolimus 0.03%. Tacrolimus ointment is not for use for kids under 2 years.

Always use the medicine as prescribed by your doctor. When treating eczema, apply the ointment to clean, dry skin twice a day. Since you may forget to use the treatment, it is advisable to apply it at the same time every day.

If you miss your dose, use the medication as soon as you remember it, unless it is close to your next dose. In that case, you may forego the skipped dose and resume your normal dosage. Do not use extra medication to compensate for the missed dose.

Side Effects of Tacrolimus Ointment

Tacrolimus ointment may have side effects. However, some side effects tend to go away as your body adjusts to the treatment. Common side effects include:

• Burning, redness, tingling, or soreness on the skin
• Itching
• Stinging on the skin
• Headache
• Acne
• Back pain
• Muscle pain
• Nausea
• Flu-like symptoms
• Runny/stuffy nose
• Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
• Weakness

You should discontinue treatment and contact your doctor immediately if you experience the following serious side effects:

• Signs of skin infections such as chickenpox, shingle or cold sores
• Sever tingling, stinging, soreness or burning when you apply the ointment to your skin
• Swollen glands like enlarged lymph nodes
• Crusting or redness around hair follicles
• Yellow skin or eyes

Precautions

To prevent adverse reactions to the medicine, you should observe the following precautions when using Tacrolimus ointment.

• Do not breastfeed while using the ointment.
• Avoid continuous and prolonged use of the medicine.
• If you don't see results after six weeks, call your doctor.
• Wear protective clothing when going outdoors as exposure to sunlight may increase your risk of skin tumors.
• Don't use tanning beds, booths, or sunlamps when using the medicine
• Only use the ointment for its intended purpose
• Inform your doctor of any allergies or exposure to an illness before using the treatment
• Keep the medicine from getting into your eyes, nose, or mouth
• Avoid Taking alcohol while using the medication as it may cause your face to feel hot or become red.

Popular Interactions with Other Drugs or Conditions

Drug interactions can alter how your treatment works or increase the severity of side effects. While most medications may not result in adverse interaction with tacrolimus ointment, inform your doctor if you are using any vitamins, supplements, or medications including,

• Antidepressants like nefazodone
• HIV/AIDS drugs
• Isoniazid for tuberculosis
• Antibiotics like erythromycin, telithromycin, and clarithromycin
• Antifungal medications like clotrimazole
• Blood pressure or heart medications such as quinidine and nicardipine
• Imatinib(Gleevec)
• Conivaptan (Vaprisol)
• Calcium channel blockers like diltiazem
• Cimetidine
• Mifepristone

Besides medication, tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

• A weakened immune system
• Lymphadenopathy
• Kidney failure or risk of kidney problems
• Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
• Skin tumors
• Infections on the affected skin areas, including chickenpox and herpes
• Mononucleosis
• Skin problems such as erythroderma, lamellar ichthyosis, or Netherton's syndrome

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to get pregnant before using tacrolimus ointment.

How to Store Tacrolimus Ointment

Store the medicine at room temperatures and away from excess heat and moisture. Also, keep the lid tightly closed and store it out of reach of children. Don’t leave the medicine in the car during hot or cold weather.

You can order your tacrolimus ointment from Kiwi Drug in the UK upon an online doctor's approval. Shipping is available for both local and global orders.