Description
Indications
Tacrolimus ointment serves as a therapeutic intervention for alleviating the symptoms of eczema. This dermatological ailment engenders skin dryness, pruritus, and occasional emergence of erythematous and desquamative rashes. As a medication within the classification of topical calcineurin inhibitors, tacrolimus operates by inhibiting the immunological cascade that culminates in the synthesis of substances implicated in eczematous pathogenesis.
Uses and Dosage
Prior to utilizing this medication, cleanse your hands thoroughly using soap and water. Following this, adhere to your physician’s instructions and apply a slender layer of the medication onto the afflicted dermal regions. Typically, this application is recommended twice daily. Gently and comprehensively massage the medication into the skin.
Except when treating your hands, cleanse your hands subsequent to employing this product.
In the event your medical practitioner suggests the use of a moisturizer, apply it subsequent to the application of this medication.
This product is formulated solely for cutaneous employment. Caution should be exercised to avoid contact with the eyes, inner nasal passages, or oral cavity. If accidental contact does occur in these areas, rinse thoroughly with an ample amount of water. Application of this medication on open wounds or infected areas is contraindicated.
Unless explicitly directed by your physician, the treated region should not be covered with impermeable materials such as plastic or waterproof bandages. Immediate bathing, showering, or swimming post-application is discouraged, as it could potentially eradicate the medication from the treated area.
Strict adherence to the prescribed instructions is paramount. In the event of the amelioration of your eczema, your physician might recommend discontinuing the use of the medication, with a provision to resume application should symptoms resurface.
Should a period of 6 weeks transpire without noticeable improvement in your condition or if your condition deteriorates at any juncture, promptly apprise your physician of the circumstances.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- skin burning, stinging, redness or soreness
- tingling skin
- increased sensitivity of the skin to hot or cold temperatures
- itching
- acne
- swollen or infected hair follicles
- headache
- muscle or back pain
- flu-like symptoms
- stuffy or runny nose
- nausea
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- swollen glands
- rash
- crusting, oozing, blistering or other signs of skin infection
- cold sores
- chicken pox or other blisters
- swelling of the hands, arms, feet, ankles, or lower legs
Caution
Prior to commencing the usage of tacrolimus, inform your healthcare provider or pharmacist about any hypersensitivity you may have to this medication, other macrolide drugs, or any other allergic reactions you might experience. This product could potentially encompass inert constituents capable of inciting allergic responses or other complications.
Preceding the administration of this medication, disclose your medical history to your healthcare provider or pharmacist, particularly with regard to instances of swollen lymph nodes, utilization of light therapy (e.g., UVA or UVB), occurrences of skin or other malignancies, presence of skin infections (e.g., herpes, shingles), other prevailing skin conditions, and the status of your kidney health.
This medication could heighten your susceptibility to the effects of alcohol causing your facial region or skin may evince redness and sensations of warmth. Curtail the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
This medication has the potential to increase your sensitivity to sunlight. Limit sun exposure. Activities such as using tanning booths and sunlamps should be avoided. Employing sunscreen and donning protective clothing when outdoors are recommended practices. Should you experience sunburn or exhibit indications of skin blisters or redness, tell your doctor.
When considering the usage of this medication during pregnancy, it should only be undertaken if the necessity is unequivocal. A comprehensive dialogue with your healthcare provider to assess the attendant risks and benefits is warranted.
The passage of this medication into breast milk remains uncertain. Prior consultation with your doctor is recommended before embarking on breastfeeding while undergoing this treatment.
Form and Strength
Protopic Ointment is available in the following forms and strengths:
-
Protopic Ointment topical ointment:
- 0.03%
- 0.10%
-
tacrolimus topical ointmen:
- 0.10%
FAQ
Is Protopic a steroid cream?
Protopic is a non-steroid ointment and can be used on the face, even on very sensitive skin such as the eyelids where steroids can’t be used.
Does Protopic work immediately?
Generally, improvement is seen within one week of starting treatment.
Resources
- https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/overview/protopic-epar-summary-public_en.pdf
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/tacrolimus-topical-route/proper-use/drg-20068159
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-20335/protopic-topical/details
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a602020.html
- https://www.drugs.com/protopic.html