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Pimecrolimus

    Brands

    DEA Class; Rx

    Common Brand Names; Elidel

    • Immunosuppressive Agents, Topical; 
    • Calcineurin Inhibitors

    Pimecrolimus (ASM 981), a derivative of ascomycin, is a topical macrolactam immunomodulator. Pimecrolimus has similar clinical effects as tacrolimus; however, they differ in therapeutic effectiveness and formulation. As opposed to topical corticosteroids, no skin atrophy is noted following pimecrolimus treatment.

    Indicated for the Atopic Dermatitis

    Hypersensitivity

    Age <2 years

    Not recommended in Netherton’s syndrome, immunocompromised patients

    • Burning sensation (2-26%)
    • Headache (7-25%)
    • Fever (1-13%)
    • Nasopharyngitis (8-27%)
    • Cough (2-16%)
    • Bronchitis (<11%)
    • Upper respiratory tract infection (4-19%)
    • Basal cell carcinoma of skin
    • Malignant melanoma
    • Squamous cell carcinoma
    • Malignant lymphoma
    • Septic arthritis
    • Skin discoloration
    • Eczema
    • Flushing
    • Ocular irritation

    Preferably use as second-line agents for short-term and intermittent treatment in unresponsive to, or intolerant of other treatments

    Re-evaluate if symptoms persist beyond 6 weeks

    Do not use with occlusive dressings; do not apply to areas of active cutaneous viral infection

    Potential risk of lymphoma and skin cancer; papilloma/warts, observed with use

    Reassess diagnosis of atopic dermatitis if symptoms do not improve within 6 weeks of treatment

    Safety not established in patients with generalized erythroderma

    Pregnancy Category: C

    Lactation: not known whether distributed in breast milk; may cause unwanted effects in nursing babies

    Adults

    2 applications/day topically.

    Elderly

    2 applications/day topically.

    Adolescents

    2 applications/day topically.

    Children

    >= 2 years: 2 applications/day topically.

    Pimecrolimus 

    cream

    • 1%