pimecrolimus at a glance
Medicine class
Topical calcineurin inhibitor
Licensed use
Mild or moderate atopic dermatitis when topical corticosteroids are inadvisable or not possible
Age
Licensed for adults and children aged 3 months and older
Administration
For affected skin only; avoid the eyes, mouth and other mucous membranes
What is pimecrolimus used for?
The selected product is licensed for patients aged 3 months and older with mild or moderate atopic dermatitis when topical corticosteroid treatment is inadvisable or not possible.
When topical corticosteroids are not tolerated.
When topical corticosteroids have not been effective.
For treatment on the face or neck where prolonged intermittent topical corticosteroid use may be inappropriate.
How does pimecrolimus work?
Pimecrolimus binds to macrophilin-12 and inhibits calcineurin inside immune cells. This reduces production of inflammatory cytokines by T cells, helping to control eczema-related inflammation, redness and itching.
pimecrolimus preparations and strengths
Cream
Route: Cutaneous
Strengths: 10 mg/g
How to take pimecrolimus
Use only on eczema-affected skin and rub the cream in gently and completely. Wash and dry your hands before application; avoid the eyes, nose, mouth and other mucous membranes, and rinse with water after accidental contact. Do not cover treated skin with occlusive dressings. Emollients may be applied immediately afterwards, but avoid bathing, showering or swimming straight after application because this may wash the cream off.
Use on affected skin only.
Avoid infected areas until the infection is controlled.
Do not use under bandages, wraps or other occlusive dressings.
Minimise ultraviolet exposure and use suitable clothing and sunscreen outdoors.
Keep away from smoking and naked flames because contaminated fabric can burn more easily.
pimecrolimus side effects
Common or expected effects
- Warmth or burning where the cream is applied, usually mild and short-lived
- Application-site irritation, itching or redness
- Inflammation or infection of hair follicles
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including hives, facial or throat swelling, breathing difficulty or faintness
- Rapidly spreading blisters or erosions suggesting eczema herpeticum
- Severe or persistent application-site reaction
- New swollen lymph nodes requiring clinical assessment
pimecrolimus in pregnancy
The UK product information advises that pimecrolimus should not be used during pregnancy because adequate human data are unavailable. Anyone who is pregnant, planning pregnancy or thinks they may be pregnant should discuss treatment with the prescriber.
pimecrolimus while breastfeeding
Use during breastfeeding has not been adequately studied, although systemic absorption through the skin is generally minimal. The product information permits cautious use but says not to apply it to the breast, to prevent the baby swallowing or contacting the cream; discuss use with the prescriber.
pimecrolimus interactions
Systemic medicine interactions are considered unlikely because skin absorption is minimal, but several treatment-related precautions apply.
UVA, UVB or PUVA treatment
Avoid combining with pimecrolimus because concurrent use has not been adequately studied and excessive ultraviolet exposure should be avoided.
Systemic immunosuppressants such as azathioprine or ciclosporin
Concurrent treatment for eczema is not supported by clinical experience and should be avoided unless directed by a specialist.
Vaccinations
Do not apply pimecrolimus to a vaccination site while a local reaction remains; vaccination timing may need review in extensive eczema.
Common questions about pimecrolimus
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is pimecrolimus a steroid?
No. It is a topical calcineurin inhibitor that reduces inflammatory signalling in skin immune cells.
Can pimecrolimus be used in babies and children?
The selected product is licensed from 3 months of age. Use in younger infants is not recommended.
Can pimecrolimus be used on the face and skin folds?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.