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Tacrolimus

KCS-Keratoconjunctivitis sicca, Topical ophthalmic, Eye drop

Brand Names

Protopic®, Tacrolimus

Drug Information

Pharmacology

Appears to stimulate tear production.

Topically it acts similarly to CycloSPORINE inhibiting T-lymphocyte activity and inhibiting the inflammatory process.

Contraindications

General
  • Owners should be advised to wear gloves when applying tacrolimus opthalmically or topically to their pet.

Adverse Effects

General
  • Appears to be well tolerated in dogs but local irritation and pruritus have been reported in people and dogs using the product.
  • Tacrolimus has an FDA mandated “black box” warning that use may increase the risk for skin cancer and lymphomas in humans though a causal relationship has not been established.

Interactions

Drug Interactions
Tinidazole
  • Tinidazole may increase the serum levels of systemic tacrolimus.
Voriconazole
  • Decrease dose of tacrolimus by 33% when starting voriconazole.

Comments

Protopic ointment is a topical tacrolimus formulated with propylene carbonate that is known to deplete cholinesterase and to be an Ophthalmic irritant and should not be used in the eye.
Tacrolimus 0.01 – 0.03% solutions and ointments should be prescribed through a compounding pharmacy.
Does not appear to have atrophogenic or metabolic effects that can be associated with long term topical corticosteroid treatment.
Owners should be advised to wear gloves when applying tacrolimus ophthlamically or topically to their pet.

Available Forms

Human
  • Protopic® ointment is a topical tacrolimus formulated with propylene carbonate that is known to deplete cholinesterase and to be an ophthalmic irritant and should not be used in the eye. Tarolimus 0.01 – 0.03% solutions and ointments should be prescribed through a compounding pharmacy for ophthalmic use.
Veterinary – General
  • None Tarolimus 0.01 – 0.03% solutions and ointments should be prescribed through a compounding pharmacy for ophthalmic use. Protopic® ointment is a topical tacrolimus formulated with propylene carbonate that is known to deplete cholinesterase and to be an ophthalmic irritant and should not be used in the eye.