Common use

Protopic ointment is used to treat the symptoms of moderate to severe eczema in adults and children at least 2 years old, who cannot use other medications for their condition or whose eczema has not responded to another medication. Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a skin disease that causes the skin to be dry and itchy and to sometimes develop red, scaly rashes). Protopic (tacrolimus) is a topical macrolide immunosuppressant that belongs to a class of medications called topical calcineurin inhibitors. Tacrolimus works by decreasing cell activity in the body's immune system which helps to slow down the growth of atopic dermatitis (eczema) on your skin.

Dosage and direction

Use this medicine only on skin that is affected by eczema. Avoid applying to an area that may be affected with skin cancer. Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin.
Wash your hands before and after applying Protopic, unless you are using it to treat a hand condition. Use only a small amount of medicine. Apply a thin layer and rub in gently. Right after applying Protopic ointment, you may need to use a moisturizing cream or lotion to keep your skin from getting too dry. Ask your doctor about which cream or lotion to use. Do not cover treated skin with a bandage unless your doctor tells you to. Do not bathe, shower, or swim right after applying Protopic ointment. Water may wash off the medicine.

Precautions

To make sure Protopic is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had: skin cancer (melanoma); a bacterial or viral skin infection (including herpes or chickenpox); Netherton's syndrome (a genetic skin disorder); or a weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicines).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to get pregnant, or breastfeeding before starting this medicine.

Contraindications

You should not use Protopic ointment if you are allergic to tacrolimus.
Avoid sunlight, sun lamps, tanning beds, and phototherapy treatments with UVA or UVB light. If you must be outdoors, wear loose clothing over the skin areas treated with Protopic ointment. Do not use sunscreen on treated skin unless your doctor has told you to.

Possible side effect

Common Protopic side effects may include: burning, stinging, itching, or tingling of treated skin (especially during the first few days of treatment); viral skin infection; your skin being more sensitive to hot or cold temperatures; acne, redness or crusting around your hair follicles; upset stomach; headache, muscle pain; runny or stuffy nose; or fever, chills, body aches, sore throat, cough, swollen glands.

Drug interaction

Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with Protopic unless your doctor tells you to.

Missed dose

Apply the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medicine.

Storage

Store tightly closed at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep away from children.