Tacrolimus
Tacrolimus ointment is a topical (skin-applied) medication used to treat atopic dermatitis (eczema). Itching, redness, swelling, cracking, vomiting, crusting, and scaling are all symptoms of atopic dermatitis, a chronic (long-term) skin condition in which the skin becomes inflamed. The immune system is activated, which induces inflammation. The reason for the activation is unclear. Tacrolimus ointment suppresses the immune system and inflammation by inhibiting calcineurin, an enzyme necessary for the proliferation of T-cells, which are required for immune system activation.
Tacrolimus Uses
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. It works by weakening your body’s immune system to help the body accept the new organ.
This type of tacrolimus is applied to the skin to treat eczema (atopic dermatitis) in patients who have not reacted well to other eczema drugs (or do not use them). Eczema is an allergic reaction to the skin that causes it to become red, irritated, and itchy. This medicine works by weakening the skin's protection (immune) mechanism, reducing allergic reactions and alleviating eczema symptoms. Tacrolimus belongs to the class of drugs called Topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs).
Side effects:
Most common side effects of Sulfonylurea are:
Some of the common side effects of tacrolimus are
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Heartburn
- Stomach pain
- Loss of appetite
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Joint pain
- Burning
- Numbness
- Pain
Some of the serious side effects of tacrolimus are:
- Decreased urination
- Pain or burning while urinating
- Shortness of breath
- Pale skin
- Unusual bleeding
- Seizures
Tacrolimus can cause some serious side effects and can lead to some serious health problems. Talk with your doctor if you are having any serious problems.
Precautions
Before using tacrolimus talk with your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medications related to it. The medication may contain some inactive ingredients which can cause some serious allergic reactions or some other serious problems. Before using the medication talk with your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medications related to it.
How to use tacrolimus?
Tacrolimus is available in the form of a pill, granules for oral suspension (to be combined with liquid) and an extended-release tablet for oral administration. The oral suspension (Prograf) and immediate-release capsules (Prograf) are typically taken twice a day (12 hours apart). You may take the immediate-release capsules and oral suspension with or without food, but be sure to follow the directions carefully. The extended-release capsules (Astagraf XL) or extended-release tablets (Envarsus XR) are normally taken on an empty stomach every morning, at least 1 hour before or after breakfast.
If you're going to use the granules for oral suspension, make sure you blend them with room temperature water first. In a cup containing the 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 from the cup or with an oral syringe. The granules would not dissolve entirely. Swallow the whole extended-release capsules and extended-release tablets with water.
Missed Dose
As soon as you remember, take the missing dose. If it’s time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the daily dosing schedule. To make up for a missed dose, do not take a double dose.
Overdose
Vitamin D overdose can have severe or life-threatening consequences. Nausea, lack of appetite, thirst, urinating more or less than normal, body aches, weakness, confusion, or erratic heartbeats are all potential opioid signs.
Interactions
Drug interactions can cause Tacrolimus to function differently or it can put you at risk for severe adverse effects. Keep a record of all the medications that you use (including prescription and nonprescription medications, as well as herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not begin, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medications without first consulting your doctor.
Warnings for Serious Health Conditions
Drug interactions can cause Tacrolimus to function differently or it can put you at risk for severe adverse effects. Keep a record of all the medications that you use (including prescription and nonprescription medications, as well as herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not begin, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medications without first consulting your doctor.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding :: A small amount of Tacrolimus is absorbed from the ointment and there are fewer studies on the effect of the medicine on the fetus. Pregnant women who had taken the oral tablet are seen to have symptoms like high potassium levels and kidney disease in the newborns. So, the medication should be used during pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risk. While applying the ointment it can spread to the breast and can create some serious problems for the baby. However, it is not known whether the medication taken orally can pass into the breastmilk or not.
Storage
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. Exposure to medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.
Mainly the drug should be kept 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:
|
