Tacrolimus

Vitiligo, Pyoderma Gangrenosum, Kidney Transplantation + 12 more
Treatment
5 FDA approvals
20 Active Studies for Tacrolimus

What is Tacrolimus

TacrolimusThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryTacrolimus (also known as FK-506 or Fujimycin) is a drug used to weaken a patient’s immune system after organ transplant. It can also be used as a topical treatment for severe atopic dermatitis, severe uveitis after bone marrow transplants, and vitiligo. Tacrolimus was discovered in 1984 from the bacteria Streptomyces tsukubaensis found in a Japanese soil sample. It works by binding to a protein called immunophilin FKBP-12, which then inhibits certain processes within the immune system.
Prografis the brand name
image of different drug pills on a surface
Tacrolimus 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 Transplant Rejection and Liver Transplant Rejection .
Kidney Transplant Rejection
Liver Transplant Rejection
Kidney Transplantation
Immunosuppressive Treatment
Kidney

Effectiveness

How Tacrolimus Affects PatientsTacrolimus works by blocking a protein (FKBP-12) that helps send signals to T-lymphocytes, which are involved in the body's immune response. It is similar to cyclosporine, but has been shown to be more effective in reducing rejection rates. Tacrolimus is also used to treat eczema, and while it can reduce inflammation like steroids, it is not as strong. It is a great option for treating eczema on the face, as other topical steroids can thin the skin there. For other parts of the body, topical steroids are usually a better option.
How Tacrolimus works in the bodyThe exact way tacrolimus works on atopic dermatitis is uncertain. It is believed to affect lymphocyte activation by forming a complex of tacrolimus, FKBP-12, calcium, calmodulin, and calcineurin. This prevents the movement and activity of a nuclear factor thought to initiate gene expression for lymphokine production. Tacrolimus also stops the gene transcription for various interleukins and other molecules involved in early T-cell activation, as well as blocks the release of pre-formed mediators from mast cells and basophils. Finally, it decreases the presence of a receptor

When to interrupt dosage

The suggested dosage of Tacrolimus is reliant upon the identified condition, such as Vitiligo, Rejection; Transplant, Kidney and Pyoderma Gangrenosum. The magnitude of dosage is contingent upon the delivery approach (e.g. Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral or Topical) specified in the table below.
Condition
Dosage
Administration
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, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Solution, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Granule, Granule - Oral, Cutaneous, Ointment - Cutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Granule, for suspension, Granule, for suspension - Oral, Kit, Cream, Cream - Topical, Solution - Topical
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, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Solution, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Granule, Granule - Oral, Cutaneous, Ointment - Cutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Granule, for suspension, Granule, for suspension - Oral, Kit, Cream, Cream - Topical, Solution - Topical
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, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Solution, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Granule, Granule - Oral, Cutaneous, Ointment - Cutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Granule, for suspension, Granule, for suspension - Oral, Kit, Cream, Cream - Topical, Solution - Topical
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, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Solution, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Granule, Granule - Oral, Cutaneous, Ointment - Cutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Granule, for suspension, Granule, for suspension - Oral, Kit, Cream, Cream - Topical, Solution - Topical
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, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Solution, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Granule, Granule - Oral, Cutaneous, Ointment - Cutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Granule, for suspension, Granule, for suspension - Oral, Kit, Cream, Cream - Topical, Solution - Topical
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, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Solution, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Granule, Granule - Oral, Cutaneous, Ointment - Cutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Granule, for suspension, Granule, for suspension - Oral, Kit, Cream, Cream - Topical, Solution - Topical
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, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Solution, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Granule, Granule - Oral, Cutaneous, Ointment - Cutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Granule, for suspension, Granule, for suspension - Oral, Kit, Cream, Cream - Topical, Solution - Topical
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, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Solution, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Granule, Granule - Oral, Cutaneous, Ointment - Cutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Granule, for suspension, Granule, for suspension - Oral, Kit, Cream, Cream - Topical, Solution - Topical
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, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Solution, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Granule, Granule - Oral, Cutaneous, Ointment - Cutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Granule, for suspension, Granule, for suspension - Oral, Kit, Cream, Cream - Topical, Solution - Topical
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, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Solution, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Granule, Granule - Oral, Cutaneous, Ointment - Cutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Granule, for suspension, Granule, for suspension - Oral, Kit, Cream, Cream - Topical, Solution - Topical
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, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Solution, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Granule, Granule - Oral, Cutaneous, Ointment - Cutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Granule, for suspension, Granule, for suspension - Oral, Kit, Cream, Cream - Topical, Solution - Topical
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, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Solution, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Granule, Granule - Oral, Cutaneous, Ointment - Cutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Granule, for suspension, Granule, for suspension - Oral, Kit, Cream, Cream - Topical, Solution - Topical
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, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Solution, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Granule, Granule - Oral, Cutaneous, Ointment - Cutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Granule, for suspension, Granule, for suspension - Oral, Kit, Cream, Cream - Topical, Solution - Topical
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, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Solution, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Granule, Granule - Oral, Cutaneous, Ointment - Cutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Granule, for suspension, Granule, for suspension - Oral, Kit, Cream, Cream - Topical, Solution - Topical
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, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Solution, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Granule, Granule - Oral, Cutaneous, Ointment - Cutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Granule, for suspension, Granule, for suspension - Oral, Kit, Cream, Cream - Topical, Solution - Topical

Warnings

Tacrolimus 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 Tacrolimus.
Common Tacrolimus 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.
Tacrolimus Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe side effects of overdose on this medication can be serious, such as blurred vision, kidney and liver damage, seizures, uncontrollable shaking, high blood pressure, low levels of magnesium, diabetes, high levels of potassium, itching, trouble sleeping, and confusion. The lowest toxic dose in rats is between 134-194 mg/kg.
image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Tacrolimus Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Tacrolimus?

147 active clinical trials are analyzing the potential of Tacrolimus to ameliorate Oral Lichen Planus, Pyoderma Gangrenosum and refractory Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Pyoderma Gangrenosum
7 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4, Early Phase 1, Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 2
Rheumatoid Arthritis
54 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 4, Phase 3, Phase 2, Phase 1
Immunocompromised
5 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 1
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
Immunosuppressive Treatment
0 Actively Recruiting
Liver
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
25 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4, Phase 1, Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 3, Early Phase 1
Dermatitis, Atopic
0 Actively Recruiting

Tacrolimus Reviews: What are patients saying about Tacrolimus?

5Patient Review
1/2/2012
Tacrolimus for Body's Rejection of a Transplanted Organ
I've had zero issues.
5Patient Review
10/13/2007
Tacrolimus for Prevention of Cardiac Transplant Rejection
5Patient Review
12/17/2008
Tacrolimus for Prevent Kidney Transplant Rejection
I had never experienced tremor before, but after starting this medication I quickly felt much better.
5Patient Review
1/2/2011
Tacrolimus for Prevention of Liver Transplant Rejection
This drug has been a life-saver for me. I have nephrotic syndrome, and before taking this pill, I was carrying around a lot of extra fluid in my stomach and other parts of my body. After taking this pill for a few months, I went from 160 pounds back down to my normal weight of 115 pounds. I didn't experience any side effects like I did when my doctor tried Cyclosporine. This drug turned my labs back to normal and made my weekly kidney appointments go from 4-5 times per month down to just once every few months. It's an amazing drug!
5Patient Review
7/31/2017
Tacrolimus for Prevention of Liver Transplant Rejection
I'm five months out from my transplant and I feel great! Thank you so much to my donor.
View All Reviews
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Patient Q&A Section about tacrolimus

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

Is tacrolimus is a steroid?

"Tacrolimus is a prescription non-steroidal medication that is applied to the skin short-term to treat eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis."

Answered by AI

What drug class is tacrolimus?

"Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressant, a class of medication that works by decreasing the activity of the immune system to prevent it from attacking the transplanted organ."

Answered by AI

What does tacrolimus do to skin?

"This drug reduces eczema by weakening the skin's immune system, which decreases the allergic reaction. Tacrolimus is a type of drug called a topical calcineurin inhibitor (TCI)."

Answered by AI

What is tacrolimus is used for?

"Tacrolimus topical is used on the skin to treat moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is a skin condition where there is itching, redness, and inflammation, much like an allergic reaction."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Tacrolimus

Have you considered Tacrolimus clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Tacrolimus, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Have you considered Tacrolimus clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Tacrolimus, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Have you considered Tacrolimus clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Tacrolimus, we think they might fit your search criteria.
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