In this video we will cover everything you need to know about Tacrolimus. This video is part of a video series on your skin. We will cover all kinds of skin related problems and drugs. So for more skin related videos check out this playlist:
Generic name: Tacrolimus.
Brand names: Protopic, Advagraf and Prograf.
Available as a capsule, tablet, suspension, injection and ointment.
How to use it?
– Ointment: dry your skin and apply it in a thin layer. Wash your hands thoroughly with water and soap afterwards. Avoid contact with water the firsts 30 minutes after applying it.
– Capsules or tablets: Swallow it completely with half a glass of water. Make sure you don’t break them and you don’t chew on them, because this can decrease the effectivity. Capsules or tablets should also be taken on an empty stomach, 1 hour before a meal or 2 hours after a meal. This improves the effectivity.
Duration of treatment?
The duration of treatment depends on many factors, mostly the indication of use and the severity of this indication. Therefore the duration of use can be weeks, years and in some cases even a life time.
When to use it?
Tacrolimus is an immune suppressive drug.
As an ointment it can be used to treat mild to severe eczema.
As a capsule, tablet, suspension or injection, it can be used to prevent an organ rejection after an organ transplant or to treat several autoimmune bowel diseases.
What is the correct dosage?
Always use the dosage and frequency prescribed by your own doctor.
Ointment starting dose for adults: twice a day for a maximum of 6 weeks.
Ointment maintenance dose for adults: twice a week on affected areas.
Capsules, tablets, injections or suspensions: dosage is based on your blood levels.
What are the side-effects?
Ointment:
– Very common (10%): itching and burning sensation.
– Common (1-10%): sensation of warmth, pain, irritation, rash, itching and local skin infection.
Tablet/Capsule/Injection/Suspension:
Very common (10%): high blood pressure, headache, insomnia, nausea, diarrhea, kidney problems and diabetes.
Common (1-10%): fast heart rate, heart problems, cough, fever, anxiety, confusion, mood swings, vomiting, abdominal pain, rash, acne and sweating.
Safety:
Do not eat grapefruits.
Do not use alcohol.
Avoid sun exposure and apply sunscreen.
Pregnancy and Lactation:
Tacrolimus can be dangerous when pregnant and while breastfeeding. Therefore always discuss this with your prescribing physician.
– Disclaimer: this video and the comments are meant purely informational! This is not medical advice! If you are looking for medical advice always contact your own doctor. –
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Literature:
1: Farmacotherapeutisch Kompas. (2020). Tacrolimus (bij huid aandoeningen).
2: Apotheek.nl. (2020). Tacrolimus.
3. Multum C. (2019). Tacrolimus (oral and injection).
* The images in this video are used for educational purposes only. Most of the images and video material in this video come from
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1. Verified Picasso, Fish Room
2. Patrick Patrikos, Good Times
3: Patrick Patrikios. Rockville
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Books I used In Medical School:
Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry Seventh Edition,
Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology 14th Edition,
Human Anatomy & Physiology (12th Edition),
Oxford Handbook of Clinical Specialties,
Oxford Handbook of Emergency Medicine,
Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine,
Janeway’s Immunobiology,
Atlas of Human Anatomy (Netter Basic Science),
Netter’s Anatomy Flash Cards,
The House of God, S. Shem,
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