Tacrolimus: focusing on atopic dermatitis.

Tacrolimus ointment is an effective treatment for atopic dermatitis. As a calcineurin inhibitor, it works through the FK-binding protein, inhibiting calcineurin and preventing dephosphorylation of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT). Systemic absorption from the drug is minimal, allowing a favorable safety profile. In head-to-head clinical trials with pimecrolimus, tacrolimus proved to be a more effective treatment. Tacrolimus ointment has also been compared to standard topical cortico-steroid treatments and is equally effective if not superior to several topical steroids. Overall, tacrolimus ointment is a safe and effective treatment for atopic dermatitis and can be used as an adjunctive treatment to standard management with topical corticosteroids. (c) 2006 Prous Science. All rights reserved.