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Pimecrolimus (topical)
INFORMATION ABOUT PIMECROLIMUS (TOPICAL)
Pimecrolimus (topical) Uses
Pimecrolimus (topical) is used in the treatment of Atopic dermatitis. It is usually used only after topical corticosteroids or emollients have not worked for you.
How Pimecrolimus (topical) works
Pimecrolimus (topical) works by suppressing the action of an enzyme called calcineurin.
Common side effects of Pimecrolimus (topical)
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common
Application site reactions (burning, irritation, itching and redness), Skin infection
CONTENT DETAILS
Last updated
22 Aug 2018 | 09:47 AM (UTC)
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Medicine brands for Pimecrolimus (topical)
Expert advice for Pimecrolimus (topical)
- Wash your hands before applying Pimecrolimus (topical). Apply a thin layer to the areas of skin affected by atopic dermatitis (eczema).
- Make sure your skin affected by atopic dermatitis (eczema) is completely dry especially after bath or shower.
- Limit sun exposure during treatment even when the medicine is not applied on the skin.
- Do not cover the skin being treated with bandages or dressings. You can wear normal clothing.
- Avoid getting Pimecrolimus (topical) in the eyes or mouth. If the Pimecrolimus (topical) gets on any of these areas, it should be thoroughly wiped off and/or rinsed off with water.
- Stop Pimecrolimus (topical) when the signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis (eczema) such as itching, rash, and redness go away or consult your doctor.
- Not recommended to be used for more than 6 weeks and if needed, treatment may be repeated with breaks in-between.
- Can’t be used if your immune system is weak (for example, if you have cancer or are taking steroids for a long time).
- Inform your doctor if you have any infection on your skin including chicken pox or herpes.
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to conceive or breastfeeding.
- Many people see an improvement in their skin in as early as one week.
- Not recommended in children aged below 2 years.
Frequently asked questions for Pimecrolimus (topical)
No. Pimecrolimus (topical) is not a steroid. It is an immunosuppressant, used in the treatment of atopic dermatitis (eczema).
No. Pimecrolimus (topical) is not approved for used in vitiligo. It is an immunosuppressant, used in the treatment of atopic dermatitis (eczema).
Tacrolimus ointment is more effective, with a similar side effect compared with Pimecrolimus (topical) in patients with atopic dermatitis.
Pimecrolimus (topical) is more effective, with a less side effect compared with hydrocortisone in patients with atopic dermatitis. Pimecrolimus (topical) can be applied to face and neck where prolonged intermittent treatment whereas hydrocortisone (topical corticosteroids) may be inappropriate.
Tacrolimus ointment is more effective, with a similar side effect compared with Pimecrolimus (topical) in patients with atopic dermatitis.
Tacrolimus topical or steroid topicals i.e. hydrocortisone, betamethasone, clobetasol can be used as an alternative to Pimecrolimus (topical).
No. Pimecrolimus (topical) is not approved for the treatment of perioral dermatitis. It is an immunosuppressant, used in the treatment of atopic dermatitis (eczema).
No. Pimecrolimus (topical) is not approved for the treatment of rosacea. It is an immunosuppressant, used in the treatment of atopic dermatitis (eczema).
No. Pimecrolimus (topical) is not approved for the treatment of alopecia. It is an immunosuppressant, used in the treatment of atopic dermatitis (eczema).
No. Pimecrolimus (topical) is not approved for the treatment of ringworm infection. It is an immunosuppressant, used in the treatment of atopic dermatitis (eczema).
No. Pimecrolimus (topical) is not approved for the treatment of idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis. It is an immunosuppressant, used in the treatment of atopic dermatitis (eczema).
No. Pimecrolimus (topical) is not approved for the treatment of scabies. It is an immunosuppressant, used in the treatment of atopic dermatitis (eczema).
No. Pimecrolimus (topical) is not approved for the treatment of acne. It is an immunosuppressant, used in the treatment of atopic dermatitis (eczema).
No. Pimecrolimus (topical) is not approved for the treatment of pityriasis alba. It is an immunosuppressant, used in the treatment of atopic dermatitis (eczema).
No. Pimecrolimus (topical) is not approved for the treatment of psoriasis. It is an immunosuppressant, used in the treatment of atopic dermatitis (eczema).