Tacrolimus Topical Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2025.

Usual Adult Dose for Atopic Dermatitis

Apply a thin layer to the affected areas 2 times a day and rub in gently and completely; discontinue use when symptoms resolve

Comments:

• If itch, rash, and redness do not improve within 6 weeks, patients should be re-examined by their healthcare provider to confirm the diagnosis of atopic dermatitis.

Use: As second-line therapy for the short-term and noncontinuous chronic treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in non-immunocompromised patients who have failed to respond adequately to other topical treatments, or when those treatments are not advisable

Usual Pediatric Dose for Atopic Dermatitis

2 to 15 years:
0.03% ointment: Apply a thin layer to the affected areas 2 times a day and rub in gently and completely; discontinue use when symptoms resolve
0.1% ointment: Safety and efficacy have not been established

16 years and older:
0.03 or 0.1% ointment: Apply a thin layer to the affected areas 2 times a day and rub in gently and completely; discontinue use when symptoms resolve

Comment:

• If itch, rash, and redness do not improve within 6 weeks, patients should be re-examined by their healthcare provider to confirm the diagnosis of atopic dermatitis.

Use: As second-line therapy for the short-term and noncontinuous chronic treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in non-immunocompromised patients who have failed to respond adequately to other topical treatments, or when those treatments are not advisable.

Renal Dose Adjustments

No adjustment recommended

Liver Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Precautions

US BOXED WARNING:

• The long-term safety of topical calcineurin inhibitors has not been established.
• Skin malignancies and lymphoma have been associated with the treatment of topical calcineurin inhibitors.

Recommendations:

• The continuous long-term use of topical calcineurin inhibitors should be avoided and the application limited only to affected areas.
• The use of 0.03% tacrolimus ointment is indicated only for use in children 2 to 15 years of age.
• This drug should not be used in immunocompromised patients.

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

• Hypersensitivity to the active component or any of the ingredients

Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 2 years.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Administration advice:

• Only healthcare providers experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of atopic dermatitis should prescribe this drug.
• Continuous long-term use of topical calcineurin inhibitors should be avoided, and application should be limited to areas of atopic dermatitis.

See also:

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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