Common Use

Protopic is a topical immunosuppressant used to treat moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (eczema) in patients who do not respond well to conventional treatments like corticosteroids. It works by inhibiting calcineurin, which reduces inflammation and suppresses immune responses in the skin. Protopic helps relieve itching, redness, and swelling associated with eczema flares.

Dosage and Direction

Protopic is available as an ointment in 0.03% and 0.1% strengths. Follow these application guidelines:

• Apply a thin layer to the affected skin areas
• Use twice daily at treatment start
• Reduce to once daily or intermittent use as symptoms improve
• Avoid covering treated areas with bandages unless prescribed

Precautions

• Avoid using on infected, broken, or severely irritated skin
• Do not apply to mucous membranes
• Avoid using under occlusion
• Limit exposure to sunlight and UV light during treatment

Contraindications

• Known hypersensitivity to tacrolimus or formulation components
• Not recommended for children under 2 years
• Not advised for patients with weakened immune systems
• Should be avoided with certain skin infections without medical approval

Possible Side Effects

Be aware of these potential effects:

• Common: Burning, stinging, or itching at application site
• Less frequent: Skin redness, flu-like symptoms, light sensitivity
• Rare serious risks: Skin infections, possible increased lymphoma or skin cancer risk with long-term use

Drug Interactions

• May interact with immunosuppressive agents
• Affected by medications impacting CYP3A4 liver enzyme
• Avoid concurrent topical products unless prescribed
• Discuss all medications and supplements with your healthcare provider

Missed Dose

Follow these guidelines for missed applications:

• Apply as soon as remembered if missed
• If near next dose time, skip the missed application
• Never apply extra to compensate
• Continue normal dosing schedule

Overdose

What to know about overdose situations:

• Topical overdose is uncommon
• Excessive application increases side effect risk
• Seek medical attention for accidental ingestion or large applications
• Supportive treatment may be needed for systemic absorption

Storage

• Store at room temperature (15°C to 30°C / 59°F to 86°F)
• Keep tube tightly closed
• Protect from heat, light, and moisture
• Do not freeze or store in bathrooms
• Keep out of children's reach

Short Description

Protopic is a non-steroidal ointment used to treat moderate to severe eczema by calming the skin's immune response. It contains tacrolimus, which helps reduce inflammation and itching. The ointment is typically applied to affected areas twice daily and is suitable for intermittent use in sensitive skin areas. While effective, it should be used with caution due to potential long-term risks.

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug interactions, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. The specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.