Tacrolimus Topical Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 12, 2023.

Usual Adult Dose for Atopic Dermatitis

Apply a thin layer to the affected areas 2 times a day and rub in gently and completely; discontinue use when symptoms resolve

Comments:

• If itch, rash, and redness do not improve within 6 weeks, patients should be re-examined by their healthcare provider to confirm the diagnosis of atopic dermatitis.

Use: As second-line therapy for the short-term and noncontinuous chronic treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in non-immunocompromised patients who have failed to respond adequately to other topical treatments, or when those treatments are not advisable

Usual Pediatric Dose for Atopic Dermatitis

Less than 2 years: Safety and efficacy have not been established

2 to 15 years:
0.03% ointment: Apply a thin layer to the affected areas 2 times a day and rub in gently and completely; discontinue use when symptoms resolve
0.1% ointment: Safety and efficacy have not been established

16 years and older:
0.03 or 0.1% ointment: Apply a thin layer to the affected areas 2 times a day and rub in gently and completely; discontinue use when symptoms resolve

Comments:

• If itch, rash, and redness do not improve within 6 weeks, patients should be re-examined by their healthcare provider to confirm the diagnosis of atopic dermatitis.
• Children aged 2 to 15 years should only receive the 0.03% formulation of this drug.

Use: As second-line therapy for the short-term and noncontinuous chronic treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in non-immunocompromised patients who have failed to respond adequately to other topical treatments, or when those treatments are not advisable

Renal Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Liver Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Precautions

US BOXED WARNINGS:

• Long-term safety of topical calcineurin inhibitors has not been established.
• Although a causal relationship has not been established, rare cases of malignancy (e.g., skin and lymphoma) have been reported in patients treated with topical calcineurin inhibitors; therefore, continuous long-term use of topical calcineurin inhibitors in any age group should be avoided and application limited to areas of atopic dermatitis.
• The 0.1% ointment is not indicated for use in children less than 16 years of age. Only the 0.03% ointment is indicated for use in children 2 to 15 years of age.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Administration advice:

• Only healthcare providers experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of atopic dermatitis should prescribe this drug.
• Continuous long-term use of topical calcineurin inhibitors should be avoided, and application should be limited to areas of atopic dermatitis.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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