Protopic
Vitiligo, Pyoderma Gangrenosum, Kidney Transplantation + 12 more
Treatment
5 FDA approvals
20 Active Studies for Protopic
Treatment for
Vitiligo
What is Protopic
Tacrolimus
The Generic name of this drug
Treatment Summary
Tacrolimus is a drug used to suppress the immune system in order to prevent organ rejection after transplant surgery. It can also be used to treat severe atopic dermatitis, a type of skin condition, and vitiligo, a condition where the skin loses its color. Tacrolimus works by binding to an immunophilin called FKBP-12, which switches off a protein called calcineurin and stops T-lymphocyte cells from sending signals that cause inflammation. Tacrolimus was discovered in 1984 from a Japanese soil sample containing the bacteria Streptomyces tsukubaensis.
Prograf
is the brand name
Protopic Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Prograf
Tacrolimus
1994
138
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Tacrolimus, also called Prograf, is approved by the FDA for 5 uses such as Kidney Transplantation and Kidney Transplant Rejection .
Kidney Transplantation
Kidney Transplant Rejection
Liver Transplant Rejection
Immunosuppressive Treatment
Kidney
Effectiveness
How Protopic Affects Patients
Tacrolimus works by attaching to a protein called FKBP-12, which stops the body from sending signals that cause inflammation. It is similar to another drug called cyclosporine, but has been shown to be more effective in preventing rejection of transplanted organs. Tacrolimus is also used to treat eczema, especially atopic eczema, as it suppresses inflammation like steroids but is not as strong. In addition, tacrolimus can be used directly on the face while topical steroids should not be used there since they can thin the skin. For other parts of the body though, topical steroids
How Protopic works in the body
We don't know exactly how tacrolimus works to treat atopic dermatitis. But, it appears to prevent cells from creating proteins that cause inflammation. Tacrolimus binds to a protein inside cells and stops them from producing molecules like interleukin-3, interleukin-4, interleukin-5, GM-CSF, and TNF-, which are all related to inflammation. Tacrolimus also stops mast cells and basophils from releasing substances that cause inflammation and it reduces the expression of a protein on Langerhans cells that helps cause inflammation.
When to interrupt dosage
The prescribed dosage of Protopic is contingent upon the confirmed affliction, including Vitiligo, Rejection; Transplant, Kidney and Pyoderma Gangrenosum. The measure of dosage is contingent upon the technique of delivery (e.g. Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral or Topical) as observed in the table underneath.
Condition
Dosage
Administration
Liver
0.5 mg, , 1.0 mg, 5.0 mg, 0.001 mg/mg, 0.0003 mg/mg, 4.0 mg, 0.75 mg, 3.0 mg, 0.2 mg, 0.03 %, 0.1 %, 5.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg/mg, 0.00003 mg/mg, 0.003 mg/mg
Oral, Capsule, , Capsule - Oral, Topical, Ointment - Topical, Ointment, Capsule, coated, extended release, Capsule, coated, extended release - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Solution, Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Granule, Granule - Oral, Cutaneous, Ointment - Cutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Granule, for suspension - Oral, Granule, for suspension, Cream, Cream - Topical, Solution - Topical, Kit
Pyoderma Gangrenosum
0.5 mg, , 1.0 mg, 5.0 mg, 0.001 mg/mg, 0.0003 mg/mg, 4.0 mg, 0.75 mg, 3.0 mg, 0.2 mg, 0.03 %, 0.1 %, 5.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg/mg, 0.00003 mg/mg, 0.003 mg/mg
Oral, Capsule, , Capsule - Oral, Topical, Ointment - Topical, Ointment, Capsule, coated, extended release, Capsule, coated, extended release - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Solution, Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Granule, Granule - Oral, Cutaneous, Ointment - Cutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Granule, for suspension - Oral, Granule, for suspension, Cream, Cream - Topical, Solution - Topical, Kit
Dermatitis, Atopic
0.5 mg, , 1.0 mg, 5.0 mg, 0.001 mg/mg, 0.0003 mg/mg, 4.0 mg, 0.75 mg, 3.0 mg, 0.2 mg, 0.03 %, 0.1 %, 5.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg/mg, 0.00003 mg/mg, 0.003 mg/mg
Oral, Capsule, , Capsule - Oral, Topical, Ointment - Topical, Ointment, Capsule, coated, extended release, Capsule, coated, extended release - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Solution, Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Granule, Granule - Oral, Cutaneous, Ointment - Cutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Granule, for suspension - Oral, Granule, for suspension, Cream, Cream - Topical, Solution - Topical, Kit
Dermatitis, Atopic
0.5 mg, , 1.0 mg, 5.0 mg, 0.001 mg/mg, 0.0003 mg/mg, 4.0 mg, 0.75 mg, 3.0 mg, 0.2 mg, 0.03 %, 0.1 %, 5.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg/mg, 0.00003 mg/mg, 0.003 mg/mg
Oral, Capsule, , Capsule - Oral, Topical, Ointment - Topical, Ointment, Capsule, coated, extended release, Capsule, coated, extended release - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Solution, Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Granule, Granule - Oral, Cutaneous, Ointment - Cutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Granule, for suspension - Oral, Granule, for suspension, Cream, Cream - Topical, Solution - Topical, Kit
Rheumatoid Arthritis
0.5 mg, , 1.0 mg, 5.0 mg, 0.001 mg/mg, 0.0003 mg/mg, 4.0 mg, 0.75 mg, 3.0 mg, 0.2 mg, 0.03 %, 0.1 %, 5.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg/mg, 0.00003 mg/mg, 0.003 mg/mg
Oral, Capsule, , Capsule - Oral, Topical, Ointment - Topical, Ointment, Capsule, coated, extended release, Capsule, coated, extended release - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Solution, Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Granule, Granule - Oral, Cutaneous, Ointment - Cutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Granule, for suspension - Oral, Granule, for suspension, Cream, Cream - Topical, Solution - Topical, Kit
Lichen Planus, Oral
0.5 mg, , 1.0 mg, 5.0 mg, 0.001 mg/mg, 0.0003 mg/mg, 4.0 mg, 0.75 mg, 3.0 mg, 0.2 mg, 0.03 %, 0.1 %, 5.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg/mg, 0.00003 mg/mg, 0.003 mg/mg
Oral, Capsule, , Capsule - Oral, Topical, Ointment - Topical, Ointment, Capsule, coated, extended release, Capsule, coated, extended release - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Solution, Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Granule, Granule - Oral, Cutaneous, Ointment - Cutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Granule, for suspension - Oral, Granule, for suspension, Cream, Cream - Topical, Solution - Topical, Kit
Chronic Graft Versus Host Disease
0.5 mg, , 1.0 mg, 5.0 mg, 0.001 mg/mg, 0.0003 mg/mg, 4.0 mg, 0.75 mg, 3.0 mg, 0.2 mg, 0.03 %, 0.1 %, 5.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg/mg, 0.00003 mg/mg, 0.003 mg/mg
Oral, Capsule, , Capsule - Oral, Topical, Ointment - Topical, Ointment, Capsule, coated, extended release, Capsule, coated, extended release - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Solution, Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Granule, Granule - Oral, Cutaneous, Ointment - Cutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Granule, for suspension - Oral, Granule, for suspension, Cream, Cream - Topical, Solution - Topical, Kit
Lung
0.5 mg, , 1.0 mg, 5.0 mg, 0.001 mg/mg, 0.0003 mg/mg, 4.0 mg, 0.75 mg, 3.0 mg, 0.2 mg, 0.03 %, 0.1 %, 5.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg/mg, 0.00003 mg/mg, 0.003 mg/mg
Oral, Capsule, , Capsule - Oral, Topical, Ointment - Topical, Ointment, Capsule, coated, extended release, Capsule, coated, extended release - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Solution, Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Granule, Granule - Oral, Cutaneous, Ointment - Cutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Granule, for suspension - Oral, Granule, for suspension, Cream, Cream - Topical, Solution - Topical, Kit
Psoriasis
0.5 mg, , 1.0 mg, 5.0 mg, 0.001 mg/mg, 0.0003 mg/mg, 4.0 mg, 0.75 mg, 3.0 mg, 0.2 mg, 0.03 %, 0.1 %, 5.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg/mg, 0.00003 mg/mg, 0.003 mg/mg
Oral, Capsule, , Capsule - Oral, Topical, Ointment - Topical, Ointment, Capsule, coated, extended release, Capsule, coated, extended release - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Solution, Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Granule, Granule - Oral, Cutaneous, Ointment - Cutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Granule, for suspension - Oral, Granule, for suspension, Cream, Cream - Topical, Solution - Topical, Kit
Immunocompromised
0.5 mg, , 1.0 mg, 5.0 mg, 0.001 mg/mg, 0.0003 mg/mg, 4.0 mg, 0.75 mg, 3.0 mg, 0.2 mg, 0.03 %, 0.1 %, 5.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg/mg, 0.00003 mg/mg, 0.003 mg/mg
Oral, Capsule, , Capsule - Oral, Topical, Ointment - Topical, Ointment, Capsule, coated, extended release, Capsule, coated, extended release - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Solution, Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Granule, Granule - Oral, Cutaneous, Ointment - Cutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Granule, for suspension - Oral, Granule, for suspension, Cream, Cream - Topical, Solution - Topical, Kit
Vitiligo
0.5 mg, , 1.0 mg, 5.0 mg, 0.001 mg/mg, 0.0003 mg/mg, 4.0 mg, 0.75 mg, 3.0 mg, 0.2 mg, 0.03 %, 0.1 %, 5.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg/mg, 0.00003 mg/mg, 0.003 mg/mg
Oral, Capsule, , Capsule - Oral, Topical, Ointment - Topical, Ointment, Capsule, coated, extended release, Capsule, coated, extended release - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Solution, Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Granule, Granule - Oral, Cutaneous, Ointment - Cutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Granule, for suspension - Oral, Granule, for suspension, Cream, Cream - Topical, Solution - Topical, Kit
Kidney Transplantation
0.5 mg, , 1.0 mg, 5.0 mg, 0.001 mg/mg, 0.0003 mg/mg, 4.0 mg, 0.75 mg, 3.0 mg, 0.2 mg, 0.03 %, 0.1 %, 5.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg/mg, 0.00003 mg/mg, 0.003 mg/mg
Oral, Capsule, , Capsule - Oral, Topical, Ointment - Topical, Ointment, Capsule, coated, extended release, Capsule, coated, extended release - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Solution, Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Granule, Granule - Oral, Cutaneous, Ointment - Cutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Granule, for suspension - Oral, Granule, for suspension, Cream, Cream - Topical, Solution - Topical, Kit
Prophylaxis against heart transplant rejection
0.5 mg, , 1.0 mg, 5.0 mg, 0.001 mg/mg, 0.0003 mg/mg, 4.0 mg, 0.75 mg, 3.0 mg, 0.2 mg, 0.03 %, 0.1 %, 5.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg/mg, 0.00003 mg/mg, 0.003 mg/mg
Oral, Capsule, , Capsule - Oral, Topical, Ointment - Topical, Ointment, Capsule, coated, extended release, Capsule, coated, extended release - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Solution, Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Granule, Granule - Oral, Cutaneous, Ointment - Cutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Granule, for suspension - Oral, Granule, for suspension, Cream, Cream - Topical, Solution - Topical, Kit
Kidney
0.5 mg, , 1.0 mg, 5.0 mg, 0.001 mg/mg, 0.0003 mg/mg, 4.0 mg, 0.75 mg, 3.0 mg, 0.2 mg, 0.03 %, 0.1 %, 5.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg/mg, 0.00003 mg/mg, 0.003 mg/mg
Oral, Capsule, , Capsule - Oral, Topical, Ointment - Topical, Ointment, Capsule, coated, extended release, Capsule, coated, extended release - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Solution, Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Granule, Granule - Oral, Cutaneous, Ointment - Cutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Granule, for suspension - Oral, Granule, for suspension, Cream, Cream - Topical, Solution - Topical, Kit
Immunosuppressive Treatment
0.5 mg, , 1.0 mg, 5.0 mg, 0.001 mg/mg, 0.0003 mg/mg, 4.0 mg, 0.75 mg, 3.0 mg, 0.2 mg, 0.03 %, 0.1 %, 5.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg/mg, 0.00003 mg/mg, 0.003 mg/mg
Oral, Capsule, , Capsule - Oral, Topical, Ointment - Topical, Ointment, Capsule, coated, extended release, Capsule, coated, extended release - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Solution, Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Granule, Granule - Oral, Cutaneous, Ointment - Cutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Granule, for suspension - Oral, Granule, for suspension, Cream, Cream - Topical, Solution - Topical, Kit
Warnings
Protopic Contraindications
Condition
Risk Level
Notes
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Tacrolimus may interact with Pulse Frequency
There are 20 known major drug interactions with Protopic.
Common Protopic Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Abemaciclib
Major
The serum concentration of Abemaciclib can be increased when it is combined with Tacrolimus.
Alectinib
Major
The metabolism of Alectinib can be decreased when combined with Tacrolimus.
Aminophylline
Major
The metabolism of Aminophylline can be decreased when combined with Tacrolimus.
Axitinib
Major
The serum concentration of Axitinib can be increased when it is combined with Tacrolimus.
Bacillus calmette-guerin substrain russian BCG-I live antigen
Major
The therapeutic efficacy of Bacillus calmette-guerin substrain russian BCG-I live antigen can be decreased when used in combination with Tacrolimus.
Protopic Toxicity & Overdose Risk
Taking too much of this drug can lead to blurred vision, liver and kidney damage, seizures, shaking, high blood pressure, low magnesium levels, diabetes, high potassium levels, itching, difficulty sleeping, and disorientation. The lowest toxic dose in rats has been found to be between 134 and 194 mg/kg.
Protopic Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Protopic?
147 active trials are currently being conducted to assess the potential of Protopic for Oral Lichen Planus, Pyoderma Gangrenosum and refractory Rheumatoid Arthritis management.
Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Pyoderma Gangrenosum
2 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 3
Rheumatoid Arthritis
58 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 2, Phase 1, Phase 4
Immunocompromised
2 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Not Applicable
Lichen Planus, Oral
0 Actively Recruiting
Vitiligo
7 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 3, Phase 1
Kidney Transplantation
0 Actively Recruiting
Kidney
0 Actively Recruiting
Liver
0 Actively Recruiting
Immunosuppressive Treatment
0 Actively Recruiting
Lung
0 Actively Recruiting
Dermatitis, Atopic
0 Actively Recruiting
Prophylaxis against heart transplant rejection
0 Actively Recruiting
Psoriasis
0 Actively Recruiting
Chronic Graft Versus Host Disease
22 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4, Phase 1, Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 3
Dermatitis, Atopic
0 Actively Recruiting
Protopic Reviews: What are patients saying about Protopic?
5
Patient Review
4/20/2015
Protopic for Eczema Skin Condition Resisting Treatment
5
Patient Review
9/1/2014
Protopic for Eczema Skin Condition Resisting Treatment
5
Patient Review
1/5/2016
Protopic for Eczema Skin Condition Resisting Treatment
5
Patient Review
8/20/2020
Protopic for Atopic Dermatitis
4.3
Patient Review
1/25/2016
Protopic for Atopic Dermatitis
4
Patient Review
6/2/2015
Protopic for Eczema Skin Condition Resisting Treatment
3.3
Patient Review
1/13/2015
Protopic for Atopic Dermatitis
3.3
Patient Review
7/22/2015
Protopic for Eczema Skin Condition Resisting Treatment
2
Patient Review
11/27/2014
Protopic for Eczema Skin Condition Resisting Treatment
2
Patient Review
9/30/2017
Protopic for Atopic Dermatitis
1
Patient Review
10/22/2022
Protopic for Eczema Skin Condition Resisting Treatment
Patient Q&A Section about protopic
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.
What is PROTOPIC Ointment used for?
"PROTOPIC Ointment is a prescription medicine used topically to treat eczema. It belongs to a class of medicines called topical calcineurin inhibitors and is for use in adults and children aged 2 years and older who do not have a weakened immune system."
Answered by AI
Is Protopic safe for face?
"This ointment can be applied to any area of the body, except for mucous membranes, including the face, neck, and areas where the skin bends. It shouldn't be applied with an occlusive dressing because this method hasn't been studied in patients."
Answered by AI
Is Protopic a steroid cream?
"There are many treatments for eczema, but Protopic is different because it does not contain steroids. This means that it will not cause any of the side effects of topical steroids."
Answered by AI