What is Tacrolimus?
Tacrolimus ointment suppresses the immune system and inflammation by inhibiting calcineurin, an enzyme necessary for the proliferation of T-cells required for immune system activation.
Tacrolimus ointment is a topical medication for atopic dermatitis (eczema) and chronic skin conditions in which the skin becomes inflamed. The reason for the activation is unclear.
What are the Uses of Tacrolimus?
This medication is used with other medicines to prevent rejection of:
Tacrolimus belongs to the class of medications called immunosuppressants or Topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs). It weakens your immune system, which helps the body accept the new organ.
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Get A Second OpinionWhat are the Common Side Effects of Tacrolimus?
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Heartburn
- Stomach pain
- Loss of appetite
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Joint pain
- Burning
- Numbness
- Pain
List of Serious Side Effects of Tacrolimus
Tacrolimus can cause some serious side effects. Please, talk with your doctor if you are having any of these issues.
- Decreased urination
- Pain or burning while urinating
- Shortness of breath
- Pale skin
- Unusual bleeding
- Seizures
What Precautions Should be Taken Before Using Tacrolimus?
- Ask your doctor if you are allergic to Tacrolimus or if any other medications are related to it.
- Make sure with your doctor about the interaction of tacrolimus with other medications.
How to Use Tacrolimus Medicine?
- Tacrolimus is available as an oral tablet, ointment, and solution.
- Tacrolimus immediate-release oral tablet (Prograf) or capsule (Prograf) is typically taken twice a day with or without food (12 hours apart)
- Tacrolimus extended-release oral tablet (Envarsus XR) or capsule (Astagraf XL) are normally taken on an empty stomach every morning, at least 1 hour before or after breakfast.
Planning to use Tacrolimus granules for oral suspension, Here are the steps to follow:
- Make sure you blend them with room-temperature water first.
- In a cup with granules, pour 1 to 2 tablespoons (15 to 30 millilitres) of water.
- Do not save the mixture for later use; blend the contents and immediately take the mixture by mouth or with an oral syringe.
- The granules would not dissolve entirely.
- Swallow the whole extended-release capsules and extended-release tablets with water.
Missed Dosage
- As soon as you realise, take the missing dose.
- If it's time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the daily dosing schedule.
- Don't take a double dose just to make up for a missed dose. Overdosage might affect!
Overdose
- Overdose can have severe or life-threatening consequences.
- Avoid overdose of Tacrolimus; follow the doctor’s instructions and dosage.
Interactions of Tacrolimus with Other Drugs
- Drug interactions can cause Tacrolimus to function differently, or put you at risk for severe adverse effects.
- Share a record of your medications, including the herbal products, with your doctor.
- Without consulting your doctor don't start, stop, or adjust the usage of any medications
Warnings for Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Conditions
- A small amount of Tacrolimus ointment absorbed can affect the fetus.
- Pregnant women who had taken the oral tablet are seen to have symptoms like high potassium levels and kidney disease in newborns.
- So, the medication should be used during pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risks.
- When applied, the ointment can spread to the breast and create problems for the baby.
- It is not known whether the medication taken orally can pass into the breastmilk or not.
Tips for the Storage of Tacrolimus
- Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines.
- Medicine exposed to heat may cause some harmful effects.
- Kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.
- Keep the drug at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Tacrolimus vs Cyclosporine
| Tacrolimus | Cyclosporine |
|---|---|
| Tacrolimus ointment is a topical (skin-applied) medication used to treat atopic dermatitis (eczema). | Cyclosporine belongs to the class of medication called immunosuppressants. This works by decreasing the activity of the immune system. |
| This medication is used with other medications for preventing rejection of kidney, heart and liver transplant. It belongs to the class of medication called immunosuppressants. | The medication is also used for the treatment of various symptoms like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. |
Some of the common side effects of tacrolimus are:
|
Some of the common side effects of Cyclosporine are:
|
Citations
Tacrolimus | DrugsReady to take control of your health journey? Book your appointment now and start your path towards wellness today!
Book an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
This medication is used to avoid the rejection of kidney, heart, and liver transplants. It weakens the body’s immune system to help it accept the new organ.
Tacrolimus is a steroid-free treatment option for symptom management. It cures the itching and inflammation associated with atopic dermatitis.
Tacrolimum ointment can be used for skin conditions like Lichen planus, discoid lupus, and other skin inflammations.
Tacrolimus ointment is only supposed to be used for a few days (up to six weeks). It should not be used daily for an extended period. Any people who have flare-ups on a daily basis may be given the ointment to use twice a week to avoid flare-ups.
A few common side effects of Tacrolimus are
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
