Tacrolimus

Abstract

Tacrolimus is a macrolide antibiotic with a strong immunosuppressive action. The 0.1 per cent ointment is recommended in adults for moderate or severe atopic dermatitis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterised by itching eczematous manifestations on the face and body. In children aged 2 to 15 a less concentrated preparation (0.03 per cent) is used. Tacrolimus is one of the few therapeutic alternatives to cortico-steroids for patients who do not respond to steroids.