Tacrolimus 1% is a topical ointment belonging to the class of immunosuppressant ointments and used for the treatment of severe eczema and vitiligo in adults.

More Common  

1. Burning, stinging, itching, or tingling of treated skin (especially during the first few days of treatment) 
2. Viral skin infection 
3. Your skin being more sensitive to hot or cold temperatures 
4. Acne, redness or crusting around your hair follicles 
5. Upset stomach 
6. Headache, muscle pain 
7. Runny or stuffy nose 
8. Fever, chills, body aches, sore throat, cough, swollen glands. 

Less Common 

1. Severe pain, burning, itching, or stinging 
2. New or worsened skin symptoms (warts, unusual rash or skin lesions, blistering or oozing) 
3. A mole that has changed in size or color 
4. Symptoms of a viral skin infection are cold sores around your mouth, skin sores or blisters, scabs, itching, and tingling. 

Tacrolimus works by calming the skin’s overactive defense cells that cause eczema, you can think of it like a peacemaker telling overexcited guards to stop raising false alarms, this helps reduce redness, itching, and rashes and allows the skin to heal without the thinning effects often seen with steroid creams.

Allergies

If you have previously had an allergy to this medicine, inform your doctor.

Pregnancy

It is considered safe to use during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding

It is safe to use while breastfeeding.

Broken or Damaged Skin

Avoid applying it to open wounds, ulcers, or severely damaged skin because it can increase systemic absorption of steroids.

Weak immune patients

Tacrolimus has immunosuppressive properties, so it is not recommended to be used in patients with weak immunity and infections.

Tacrolimus does not interact with food products, as it can be applied on the skin only. So, it is safe to use without any fear of food interactions.

Avoid taking Tacrolimus with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal:

IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name

(3S,4R,5S,8R,9E,12S,14S,15R,16S,18R,26aS) -8-allyl    -5,6,8,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,24,25,26,26a -hexadecahydro-5,19-dihydroxy-3-{(E)-2 [(1R,3R,4R)-4-hydroxy-3-methylcyclohexyl] -1-methylvinyl} -14,16-dimethoxy-4,10,12,18-tetramethyl-15,19-epoxy-3H-pyrido[2,1-c] [1,4] oxaazacyclotricosane-1,7,20,21(4H,23H) -tetrone.

Daily dose

Take Tacrolimus exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.

Overdose

Apply tacrolimus suspension/ointment as per doctor’s instructions; do not consume orally. If ingested orally by mistake, overdose symptoms may occur and include nausea, irritations, and vomiting; excessive skin application causes marks on skin and burning sensations.

1. Store the medicine at room temperature 
2. Keep away from sunlight and moisture 
3. Keep out of reach of children 

1. Apply tacrolimus exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the same time each day. 
2. Do not stop applying Tacrolimus without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better. 
3. If you forget to take Tacrolimus, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. 

Tacrolimus 0.1% ointment is a medicine used on the skin to treat eczema in adults, especially in areas like the face and skin folds where steroids are not safe for long use. It works by calming down the body’s defense cells that are overreacting on the skin. The most common effects are burning, stinging, or redness where it is applied, which usually improves in a few days. It should be used as a thin layer on clean, dry skin, and hands should be washed after applying. Avoid strong sunlight or tanning while using it.

What are the uses of tacrolimus ointment?

Tacrolimus ointment is used to treat moderate to severe eczema in adults and children over 2 years, especially when steroids are not suitable. It helps reduce redness, itching, and flare‑ups and can also be used for maintenance to prevent relapses.

Can tacrolimus ointment be used on the face?

Yes, tacrolimus ointment can be safely used on the face, especially for eczema in sensitive areas where steroids are not ideal. It should be applied as a thin layer on clean skin, avoiding eyes and mouth, and with sun protection.

What does tacrolimus do to skin?

Tacrolimus ointment reduces the skin’s redness, itching, and swelling by calming down overactive immune cells. In simple terms, it tells the skin’s defense system to relax so the skin can heal naturally.

What is the drug class of tacrolimus? 

Tacrolimus belongs to the class of calcineurin inhibitors and belongs to the category of immunosuppressants.

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