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Clinical data | |
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Trade names | Elidel |
AHFS/Drugs.com | Monograph |
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Routes of administration | topical |
Drug class | immunosuppressant |
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Pharmacokinetic data | |
Bioavailability | low systemic absorption |
Protein binding | 74%–87% |
Metabolism | Hepatic CYP3A |
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CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | |
ECHA InfoCard | 100.124.895 |
Chemical and physical data | |
Formula | C43H68ClNO11 |
Molar mass | 810.46 g·mol−1 |
3D model (JSmol) | |
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Pimecrolimus is an immunosuppressant drug of the calcineurin inhibitor class used in the treatment of atopic dermatitis (eczema).
It is available as a topical cream. It was developed and formerly marketed by Novartis under the trade name Elidel.
It has been proven to be effective in various inflammatory skin diseases, e.g., seborrheic dermatitis, [2] cutaneous lupus erythematosus, [3] oral lichen planus, [4] vitiligo, [5] and psoriasis. [6] [7] Tacrolimus and pimecrolimus are both calcineurin inhibitors and function as immunosuppressants. [8]
If topical corticosteroids and moisturisers fail in the treatment of atopic dermatitis, short-term treatment with topical calcineurin inhibitors such as tacrolimus or pimecrolimus may be tried. Both tacrolimus and pimecrolimus are effective and safe to use in AD. [9] [10]
In January 2006, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that Elidel packaging would be required to carry a black box warning regarding the potential increased risk of lymph node or skin cancer, as for the similar drug tacrolimus, whereas current practice by UK dermatologists is not to consider this a significant real concern and they are increasingly recommending the use of such new drugs. [11]
Importantly, although the FDA has approved updated black-box warning for tacrolimus and pimecrolimus, the recent report of the American Academy of Dermatology Association Task Force finds that there is no causal proof that topical immunomodulators cause lymphoma or nonmelanoma skin cancer, and systemic immunosuppression after short-term or intermittent long-term topical application seems an unlikely mechanism. [12] Another recent review of evidence concluded that postmarketing surveillance shows no evidence for this systemic immunosuppression or increased risk for any malignancy. [13]
A 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health further concluded with moderate-certainty evidence that the two drugs were not associated with any increased risk of cancer. [14] However, strong debates and controversies continue regarding the exact indications of immunomodulators and their duration of use in the absence of active controlled trials. [15] Dermatologists' and allergists' professional societies, the American Academy of Dermatology, [16] and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, have protested the inclusion of the black box warning. The AAAAI states "None of the information provided for the cases of lymphoma associated with the use of topical pimecrolimus or tacrolimus in AD indicate or suggest a causal relationship." [17]
Pimecrolimus is an ascomycin macrolactam derivative. It has been shown in vitro that pimecrolimus binds to FKBP1A and also inhibits calcineurin.[ citation needed ] Thus pimecrolimus inhibits T-cell activation by inhibiting the synthesis and release of cytokines from T-cells. Pimecrolimus also prevents the release of inflammatory cytokines and mediators from mast cells.[ citation needed ]
Pimecrolimus, like tacrolimus, belongs to the ascomycin class of macrolactam immunosuppressives, acting by the inhibition of T-cell activation by the calcineurin pathway and inhibition of the release of numerous inflammatory cytokines, thereby preventing the cascade of immune and inflammatory signals. [18] Pimecrolimus has a similar mode of action to that of tacrolimus but is more selective, with no effect on dendritic (Langerhans) cells. [19] It has lower permeation through the skin than topical steroids or topical tacrolimus [20] although they have not been compared with each other for their permeation ability through mucosa. In addition, in contrast with topical steroids, pimecrolimus does not produce skin atrophy. [21]
Pimecrolimus was developed by Novartis. Its development number was ascomycin derivative ASM 981. [22]
The New Drug Application (NDA) was filed December 15, 2000. It received US FDA approval on December 13, 2001. [23] At its US approval, it was one of the first new eczema treatments introduced since the topical corticosteroids of the 1950s. [24] It is available as a topical cream, once marketed by Novartis. Since early 2007, Galderma has been promoting the compound in Canada. The trade name is Elidel.
Dermatitis is a term used for different types of skin inflammation, typically characterized by itchiness, redness and a rash. In cases of short duration, there may be small blisters, while in long-term cases the skin may become thickened. The area of skin involved can vary from small to covering the entire body. Dermatitis is also called eczema but the same term is often used for the most common type of skin inflammation, atopic dermatitis.
Tacrolimus, sold under the brand name Prograf among others, is an immunosuppressive drug. After allogenic organ transplant, the risk of organ rejection is moderate. To lower the risk of organ rejection, tacrolimus is given. The drug can also be sold as a topical medication in the treatment of T cell-mediated diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. For example, it is prescribed for severe refractory uveitis after a bone marrow transplant, exacerbations of minimal change disease, Kimura's disease, and vitiligo. It can be used to treat dry eye syndrome in cats and dogs.
Antipruritics, abirritants, or anti-itch drugs, are medications that inhibit the itching often associated with sunburns, allergic reactions, eczema, psoriasis, chickenpox, fungal infections, insect bites and stings like those from mosquitoes, fleas, and mites, and contact dermatitis and urticaria caused by plants such as poison ivy or stinging nettle. It can also be caused by chronic kidney disease and related conditions.
Desonide (INN) is a low-potency topical corticosteroid anti-inflammatory that has been available since the 1970s. It is primarily used to treat atopic dermatitis (eczema), seborrheic dermatitis, contact dermatitis and psoriasis in both adults and children. It has a fairly good safety profile and is available as a cream, ointment, lotion, and as a foam under the tradename Verdeso Foam. Other trade names for creams, lotions, and ointments include Tridesilon, DesOwen, Desonate. It is a group VI corticosteroid under US classification, the second least potent group.
Atopic dermatitis (AD), also known as atopic eczema, is a long-term type of inflammation of the skin. Atopic dermatitis is also often called simply eczema but the same term is also used to refer to dermatitis, the larger group of skin conditions. Atopic dermatitis results in itchy, red, swollen, and cracked skin. Clear fluid may come from the affected areas, which can thicken over time.
Betamethasone valerate is a synthetic glucocorticoid ester. It is the 17-valerate ester of betamethasone. Betamethasone valerate is often used to treat mild eczema with good efficacy and lower incidence of steroid induced adverse effects due to its lower potency compared to other glucocorticoids. Betamethasone-17-valerate is available in cream, ointment, lotion, and foam preparations for topical use.
Alclometasone is a synthetic corticosteroid for topical dermatologic use, possessing anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive properties.
Ascomycin, also called Immunomycin, FR-900520, FK520, is an ethyl analog of tacrolimus (FK506) with strong immunosuppressant properties. It has been researched for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and skin diseases, and to prevent rejection after an organ transplant.
Clocortolone (Cloderm) is a topical steroid. It is used in the form of an ester, clocortolone pivalate, and applied as a cream. It is used for the treatment of dermatitis and is considered a medium-strength corticosteroid. It is unusual among steroids in that it contains a chlorine atom and a fluorine atom.
Amcinonide is a topical glucocorticoid used to treat itching, redness and swelling associated with several dermatologic conditions such as atopic dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis. Amcinonide can also be classified as a multi-functional small molecule corticosteroid, which has been approved by the FDA and is currently marketed as an ointment, lotion, or cream. It acts as both a transcription factor for responses to glucocorticoids and modulator for other transcription factors while also regulating phospholipase A2 activity.
Balanitis circinata is a skin condition comprising a serpiginous ring-shaped dermatitis of the glans penis. While circinate balanitis is one of the most common cutaneous manifestations of reactive arthritis, it can also occur independently. Topical corticosteroid therapy is the most commonly used treatment, and topical calcineurin inhibitors have also been used successfully.
In medicine, a finger tip unit (FTU) is defined as the amount of ointment, cream or other semi-solid dosage form expressed from a tube with a 5 mm diameter nozzle, applied from the distal skin-crease to the tip of the index finger of an adult. The "distal skin-crease" is the skin crease over the joint nearest the end of the finger. One FTU is enough to treat an area of skin twice the size of the flat of an adult's hand with the fingers together, i.e. a "handprint". Two FTUs are approximately equivalent to 1 g of topical steroid.
Steroid-induced skin atrophy is thinning of the skin as a result of prolonged exposure to topical steroids. In people with psoriasis using topical steroids it occurs in up to 5% of people after a year of use. Intermittent use of topical steroids for atopic dermatitis is safe and does not cause skin thinning.
Topical steroids are the topical forms of corticosteroids. Topical steroids are the most commonly prescribed topical medications for the treatment of rash and eczema. Topical steroids have anti-inflammatory properties and are classified based on their skin vasoconstrictive abilities. There are numerous topical steroid products. All the preparations in each class have the same anti-inflammatory properties but essentially differ in base and price.
Auricular eczema is an eczema of the ear that may involve the helix, postauricular fold, and external auditory canal, with the most frequently affected site being the external canal, where it is often a manifestation of seborrheic dermatitis or allergic contact dermatitis. This is an neuroallergic inflammation of skin with evident itch.
Hand eczema presents on the palms and soles, and may sometimes be difficult or impossible to differentiate from atopic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, and psoriasis, which also commonly involve the hands. Even a biopsy of all these conditions may not result in a definitive diagnosis, as all three conditions may demonstrate spongiosis and crusting on the hands.
The Quality of Life Index for Atopic Dermatitis (QoLIAD) is a disease specific patient reported outcome which measures the impact that atopic dermatitis (AD) has on a given patient's quality of life.
Topical steroid withdrawal, also known as red burning skin and steroid dermatitis, has been reported in people who apply topical steroids for 2 weeks or longer and then discontinue use. Symptoms affect the skin and include redness, a burning sensation, and itchiness, which may then be followed by peeling.
Childhood granulomatous periorificial dermatitis (CGPD) is a rare benign granulomatous skin disease of unknown cause. The disorder was first described in 1970 by Gianotti in a case series of five children. CGPD is more common in boys than girls.
Topical glucocorticoids are the topical forms of glucocorticoids. Topical glucocorticoids are used in the treatment of many skin conditions. They provide anti-inflammatory, antimitotic, and immune-system suppressing actions through various mechanisms.
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: CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of November 2024 (link)