Pimecrolimus

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

2 applications/day topically.

2 applications/day topically.

2 applications/day topically.

>= 2 years: 2 applications/day topically.

Pimecrolimus 

cream

• 1%