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Tacrolimus (Protopic 0.03%; 0.1%) ointment
Pimecrolimus (Elidel 1%) cream
Pronunciation: ta-KROE-li-mus; pim-e-KROE-li-mus
Background: Topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs), also called topical immunomodulators, are a novel class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD). Tacrolimus (Protopic) was first approved by the FDA in December 2000 for the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in children 2 years of age and older. Pimecrolimus (Elidel) was approved in December 2001 for the treatment of mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis, also in children 2 years and older. Unlike topical steroids, TCIs selectively target inflammatory cytokine production without affecting collagen synthesis, thereby…