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Pimecrolimus

About Pimecrolimus

Pimecrolimus belongs to a class of dermatological preparation called 'immunosuppressants' primarily used to prevent allergies, including swelling, itching, redness, heat, and pain caused due to certain skin problems such as dermatitis (itchy, swelling of the skin) and eczema (itchy, cracked, swollen or rough skin). Eczema is a condition in which skin patches become inflamed, itchy, cracked and rough. Dermatitis is a skin condition that causes itchy, dry skin or a rash on swollen, reddened skin. 

Pimecrolimus contains Pimecrolimus works by stopping the immune system from producing chemical substances that may cause eczema. When the skin reacts to any type of allergens, such chemical substances are released normally. It acts inside the skin cells that cause inflammation and characteristic redness and itching of eczema. Pimecrolimus is used to treat swelling, itching, redness, heat, and pain caused due to skin problems such as eczema or atopic dermatitis (itchy, cracked, swollen or rough skin).

Use Pimecrolimus as prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will advise the appropriate dose depending on your medical condition. Avoid contact of Pimecrolimus with nose, mouth, or eyes. If Pimecrolimus comes in contact with these areas accidentally, rinse with water thoroughly. Common side effects of Pimecrolimus include burning, irritation, itching, and redness at the application site. Most of these side effects of Pimecrolimus do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.

Avoid using Pimecrolimus if you are allergic to it. If you are pregnant or a nursing mother, it is advised to consult your doctor before using Pimecrolimus. Do not use Pimecrolimus in more than prescribed doses or for a prolonged time as it may cause adverse effects. Avoid consuming alcohol while using Pimecrolimus as it can make your skin (particularly on your face) flushed or red and feel hot. If you have a weakened immune system (immunocompromised), have erythroderma (redness of almost the entire body), or a skin condition called Netherton’s syndrome (a disorder that affects the skin, hair and immune system) and skin malignancies (tumours), and skin infections (including chickenpox or herpes), inform your doctor before starting Pimecrolimus.

Uses of Pimecrolimus

Atopic dermatitis (eczema)

Medicinal Benefits

Pimecrolimus contains Pimecrolimus is a class of medications called topical calcineurin inhibitors with anti-inflammatory properties, specifically treating inflammation of the skin called atopic dermatitis (eczema). It works by stopping the immune system from producing chemical substances that may cause eczema. When the skin reacts to any type of allergens, such chemical substances are released normally. It acts inside the skin cells that cause inflammation and characteristic redness and itching of eczema. Pimecrolimus is used to treat swelling, itching, redness, heat, and pain caused due to certain skin problems such as eczema or atopic dermatitis (itchy, cracked, swollen, or rough skin) in children (aged 2 years and above), teenagers, and adults. When used to treat early signs and symptoms, Pimecrolimus can prevent progression to severe flare-ups.

Directions for Use

Pimecrolimus is only for external use. Take a small amount of Pimecrolimus on the fingertip and apply it as a thin layer on the clean and dry affected area as prescribed by your doctor. Avoid contact of Pimecrolimus with nose, mouth or eyes. In case Pimecrolimus comes in contact with these areas accidentally, rinse with water thoroughly. Wash your hands before and after using Pimecrolimus if hands are not the affected area to prevent the spread of infection.

Storage

Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight

Side Effects of Pimecrolimus

  • Mild irritation
  • Skin redness
  • Burning sensation at the site of application

Drug Warnings

Do not use Pimecrolimus to areas of the skin affected by an active viral infection such as cold sores (herpes simplex) or chickenpox. Pimecrolimus may be associated with an increased risk of severe herpes simplex skin infection (eczema herpeticum). Therefore if you develop painful sores anywhere on your body, tell your doctor immediately. If you are pregnant or a nursing mother, it is advised to consult a doctor before using Pimecrolimus. Pimecrolimus is not recommended for children below 2 years of age. Avoid using Pimecrolimus on open wounds, windburned, sunburned, irritated, or dry skin. Do not cover or wrap the treated area with a bandage unless your doctor advises, as it may cause harmful effects. Avoid contact of topical Pimecrolimus with nose, mouth, or eyes as it may irritate. If Pimecrolimus comes in contact with these areas accidentally, rinse with water thoroughly. Avoid smoking or going near naked flames as the fabric (bedding, clothing, dressings) that is in contact with Pimecrolimus catches fire and burns easily.  If you have a weakened immune system (immunocompromised), have erythroderma (redness of almost the entire body), or a skin condition called Netherton’s syndrome (a disorder that affects the skin, hair and immune system), and skin malignancies (tumours), please inform your doctor before starting Pimecrolimus. Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight, sun lamps, and tanning beds while using Pimecrolimus. If you are outdoors after applying Pimecrolimus, wear loose-fitting clothing, and appropriate sunscreen, and minimise the time you spend in the sun.

Drug Interactions

Drug-Drug Interaction: Pimecrolimus may interact with antifungals (fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole), calcium channel blockers (diltiazem, verapamil), antiulcer (cimetidine) antibiotics (clarithromycin, erythromycin, troleandomycin,  metronidazole),  androgenic hormones (danazol),  immunosuppressant  (cyclosporine), HIV protease inhibitors (indinavir, ritonavir, delavirdine), anti-TB (isoniazid), an antidepressant (nefazodone, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine), oral contraceptives (birth control pills).

Drug-Food Interaction: Pimecrolimus may interact with alcohol. Therefore, avoid the consumption of alcohol with Pimecrolimus.

Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have skin areas that have cancers or pre-cancers, Netherton's syndrome, skin infections (including chickenpox or herpes), or a weak immune system, inform your doctor before taking Pimecrolimus.

Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:

  • FLUCONAZOLE
  • ITRACONAZOLE
  • KETOCONAZOLE
  • DILTIAZEM
  • VERAPAMIL
  • CIMETIDINE
  • CLARITHROMYCIN
  • ERYTHROMYCIN
  • TROLEANDOMYCIN
  • METRONIDAZOLE
  • DANAZOL
  • CYCLOSPORINE
  • INDINAVIR
  • RITONAVIR
  • DELAVIRDINE
  • ISONIAZID
  • NEFAZODONE
  • FLUOXETINE
  • FLUVOXAMINE
  • Safety Advice

    • Safety Warning

      Alcohol

      unsafe

      Do not drink alcohol while using Pimecrolimus. It can make your skin (particularly on your face) become flushed or red and feel hot.

    • Safety Warning

      Pregnancy

      caution

      Pimecrolimus is a Category C pregnancy drug. If you are pregnant, please consult your doctor before using Pimecrolimus. Your doctor prescribes this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.

    • Safety Warning

      Breast Feeding

      caution

      Pimecrolimus is safe to use while nursing. Human studies indicate that the medication does not transfer into the breastmilk in large amounts and is not dangerous to the baby.

    • Safety Warning

      Driving

      safe if prescribed

      Pimecrolimus usually does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.

    • Safety Warning

      Liver

      caution

      If you have a history of liver disease, please consult your doctor before using Pimecrolimus.

    • Safety Warning

      Kidney

      caution

      If you have a history of kidney disease, please consult your doctor before using Pimecrolimus.

    • Safety Warning

      Children

      caution

      Pimecrolimus is not recommended for children below 2 years. However, for children above 2 years, Pimecrolimus should be used only as prescribed by a doctor.

    Habit Forming

    No

    Diet & Lifestyle Advise

    • Eat foods rich in quercetin (a flavonoid), such as apples, cherries, broccoli, spinach and blueberries.

    • Consuming food rich in probiotics helps in developing the immune system against allergies.

    • Limit intake of food that might trigger allergies, such as dairy products, soy, eggs, and nuts.

    • Avoid the consumption of foods with excess sugar as it may flare up inflammation.

    • Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and fish in your diet.

    • Reducing stress and maintaining a regular sleep pattern would be helpful.

    • Avoiding getting in contact with harsh soaps, detergents and rough fabrics.

    • Use mild soap while taking baths and prefer warm baths. Avoid harsh products on your skin.

    • Do not scratch or pick your skin to avoid getting the affected area infected.

    Special Advise

    • Avoid contact of Pimecrolimus with nose, mouth or eyes. In case Pimecrolimus comes in contact with these areas accidentally, rinse with water thoroughly.

    • If you have extensive eczema, you may need to stop using Pimecrolimus before having any vaccinations. Your doctor will be able to tell you if this is necessary.

    • Consult your doctor if no improvement occurs after 2 weeks or if your eczema gets worse.

    • Do not apply Pimecrolimus to areas of the skin affected by an active viral infection such as cold sores (herpes simplex) or chickenpox.

    • Do not use Pimecrolimus without a break for a long time unless told to do so by the doctor.

    Patients Concern

    Disease/Condition Glossary

    Atopic dermatitis (eczema): is a skin inflammatory condition characterized by red and itchy rashes. The most common cause of eczema is allergies. Contact with soaps, dyes, chemicals or other irritants may trigger rashes. Avoiding the triggers helps to prevent flare-ups of eczema. Dermatitis is a common skin condition associated with dry, itchy or swollen skin.

    FAQs

    Pimecrolimus contains Pimecrolimus is an immunosuppressant. It works by suppressing your body’s immune response. It treats an inflammation of the skin called atopic dermatitis (eczema).

    You are recommended to use Pimecrolimus as long as your doctor has prescribed it. However, if the condition persists or worsens after 1 week of treatment with Pimecrolimus, please consult a doctor.

    You are recommended to use Pimecrolimus on the face only if advised by your doctor and not use it for more than 5 days on the face as the skin on the face thins easily. Avoid the use of dressing or bandages on the face.

    Pimecrolimus is for external use only. Avoid contact with eyes. If Pimecrolimus gets into your eyes, nose, mouth or vagina, rinse with water. Do not put a bandage or a dressing on the affected area while using Pimecrolimus unless advised by the doctor. Do not apply Pimecrolimus on sunburns, open wounds, lesions and blisters. Do not contact anyone who has shingles, chickenpox, or measles. If you accidentally come in contact with any person having them, please inform your doctor immediately, as it requires special treatment if you have not had these illnesses.

    The safety and efficacy of Pimecrolimus have shown no difference in young and elderly patients. So, Pimecrolimus can be given to treat skin infections in elderly patients.

    You are recommended to cover the treated area of your skin with bandages or dressings only if advised by your doctor else it may increase the risk of side effects.

    Available Medicines for

    Pimecrolimus

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