Calcineurin inhibitors (topical / TCIs)
- Topical tacrolimus/pimecrolimus
- Suppress T-cell cytokine signaling
- Steroid-sparing eczema therapy
- Useful on face/flexures/thin skin
- Burning/stinging is common early
- No steroid skin atrophy
Class at a glance
- Topical tacrolimus/pimecrolimus
Members / distinctions
- Suppress T-cell cytokine signaling
- Steroid-sparing eczema therapy
Clinical role
- Useful on face/flexures/thin skin
Practical pearls
- Burning/stinging is common early
- No steroid skin atrophy
Pearls
- Tacrolimus stings more than pimecrolimus
- Labeled cancer warning not borne out in observational data
- Rare herpes simplex or zoster flares
Self-check
- What common early effects occur with topical calcineurin inhibitors?
Burning and stinging. - Do topical calcineurin inhibitors cause steroid skin atrophy?
No.
Drugs in this class (2)
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