Tacrolimus

Drug Details

Tacrolimus is a medication that serves two primary purposes. First, it is used alongside other drugs to prevent the rejection of transplanted organs such as the kidney, heart, liver, or lung. It achieves this by suppressing the immune system, helping the body to accept the new organ as its own. Tacrolimus belongs to a class of drugs known as immunosuppressants. Secondly, Tacrolimus is available as a topical ointment, known by the brand name Protopic, for treating moderate-to-severe eczema (atopic dermatitis) in both adults and children aged 2 years and older who do not have a weakened immune system. As a calcineurin inhibitor, this ointment is believed to reduce inflammation by blocking a protein that activates the immune response, thereby alleviating the symptoms of eczema. It's applied to the affected skin area twice daily, with common side effects including stinging, itching, and a burning sensation at the site of application. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new medication.