Protopic 0.1% tepalas

Protopic contains tacrolimus, a calcineurin inhibitor used for the treatment of moderate to severe atopic eczema in patients who have not responded adequately to conventional therapy. Unlike topical corticosteroids, tacrolimus does not cause skin thinning, making it suitable for long-term use on delicate areas such as the face, eyelids, and neck where steroids carry higher risks. It modulates the local immune response without the structural skin changes associated with steroid use.

How to Apply Protopic

Apply a thin layer of Protopic (tacrolimus) ointment to the affected areas twice daily until the eczema clears. Once under control, you can switch to a preventive (proactive) approach: apply twice weekly to areas that tend to flare, even when the skin looks clear, to prevent recurrence.

Avoid sun exposure on treated areas and use a high-factor sunscreen on any exposed skin. Do not apply Protopic to infected skin, treat any active infection first. Keep it away from the eyes and mucous membranes.

Adults: 0.1% ointment twice daily. Children over 2: 0.03% ointment twice daily. Once controlled, maintenance (proactive therapy): apply to previously affected areas twice weekly.

Common Side Effects

Common side effects include:

• Burning, stinging, or itching on application (very common in the first week, usually settles as the skin improves)
• Skin redness at the application site
• Alcohol intolerance (facial flushing when drinking alcohol, this usually improves over time)

The initial burning sensation on first application is very common and is not a reason to stop treatment. It typically improves significantly within the first week. Unlike topical steroids, Protopic does not cause skin thinning, which makes it suitable for sensitive areas such as the face, neck, and skin folds.

Avoid UV exposure during treatment and do not use in combination with UV therapy. The initial burning sensation is common but usually diminishes with continued use. Long-term safety data is reassuring but ongoing monitoring for rare lymphoma risk is recommended.

Contraindicated in known hypersensitivity to tacrolimus or macrolides, and in children under 2 years.