The mechanism of action of tacrolimus in atopic dermatitis is not known.

Protopic® Ointment, both 0.03% and 0.1% for adults, and only 0.03% for children aged 2 to 15 years, is indicated as second-line therapy for the short-term and non-continuous chronic treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in non-immunocompromis adults and children who have failed to respond adequately to other topical prescription treatments for atopic dermatitis, or when those treatments are not advisable.

Protopic® Ointment 0.03% and 0.1%. Apply a thin layer of Protopic Ointment to the affected skin twice daily. The minimum amount should be rubbed in gently and completely to control signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis.

One out of 198 normal volunteers showed evidence of sensitization in a contact sensitization study. (See Full Prescribing Information.)

Protopic® Ointment is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to tacrolimus or any other component of the ointment.

The use of Protopic® Ointment should be avoided on pre-malignant and malignant skin conditions. Some malignant skin conditions, such as cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), may mimic atopic dermatitis.