1. Dosage

Topical calcineurin inhibitors are FDA-approved as second-line agents for atopic dermatitis management in non-immunocompromised adults and children greater than 2 years of age who have not responded to other available therapies for atopic dermatitis. Pimecrolimus (Elidel®) is indicated for short-term, intermittent treatment of mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis, while tacrolimus (Protopic®) is indicated for short-term, intermittent therapy of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis^1-4.

Due to the uncertainty of the carcinogenic risk, the FDA issued a Black Box Warning for topical calcineurin inhibitors in 2006 stating that rare cases of malignancy have been reported, continuous long-term use should be avoided, and application should be limited to areas of the body with atopic dermatitis. Additionally, topical calcineurin inhibitors are not indicated for use in children less than 2 years of age^1-6.