Topical tacrolimus Protopic(R)

Abstract

Topical tacrolimus is the first topical immunomodulator of its kind, and its mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, metabolism and efficacy will be discussed. Multiple studies have supported the safety and efficacy of topical tacrolimus in the treatment of atopic dermatitis in both adults and children. Studies have also suggested that topical tacrolimus may be effective in the treatment of acute contact dermatitis. Although oral administration of tacrolimus proved to be efficacious in psoriasis, results with topical tacrolimus have been disappointing in some studies. Additional reports of success in the use of topical tacrolimus in the treatment of pyoderma gangrenosum show promise, although there is a paucity of randomized, placebo-controlled trials examining its use. It has also been suggested that topical tacrolimus is useful in the treatment of alopecia areata, erosive lichen planus, isolated ichthyosis linearis circumflexa, steroid-induced rosacea, and in the prevention of allograft rejection, however more clinical trials need to be performed.