Protopic
Protopic (generic name: Tacrolimus ointment) is a topical drug (a drug that is applied to the skin) that is used for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (eczema). Atopic dermatitis is a chronic (long-lasting) disease of skin in which the skin becomes inflamed, causing itchiness, redness, swelling, cracking, weeping, crusting, and scaling. The inflammation is caused by activation of the immune system though the reason for the activation is unknown. Tacrolimus ointment suppresses the immune system and the inflammation by inhibiting an enzyme (calcineurin) crucial for the multiplication of T-cells, cells that are required for activation of the immune system. Protopic Tacrolimus ointment was approved for the treatment of atopic dermatitis in December 2000.
No studies have been done to determine if Protopic has important interactions with other drugs. Interactions are unlikely because only small amounts of tacrolimus are absorbed from the skin; however, it still is possible that important interactions might occur.
Protopic side effects
The most common side effects of Protopic tacrolimus ointment are skin reactions at the site of use, including burning and itching. Flu-like symptoms and headache also have been reported.
