What is tacrolimus eye drops used for?
Tacrolimus ophthalmic is an immunosuppressive agent used to treat keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), also known as dry eye. It can also be used for other immune mediated eye conditions such as chronic superficial keratitis (CSK).
How does tacrolimus eye drops work?
Tacrolimus is an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drug, often prescribed in veterinary medicine to treat KCS. The ophthalmic drops work to stimulate the tear glands and prevent further destruction of tissue.
Can humans use tacrolimus eye drops?
In humans, tacrolimus eye drops were reported to be effective in treating severe allergic conjunctivitis . In a previous report, our group has showed the clinical outcomes of a case series of eight patients with dry eye using 0.03% tacrolimus eye drops 5 based on evidence in treating animals with KCS.
Is tacrolimus safe for eyes?
We conclude that 0.03% tacrolimus eye ointment is very effective, safe, and well tolerated in treating refractory simple allergic conjunctivitis. In comparisons to steroids, it does not increase IOP hence tacrolimus is an excellent alternative to anti-allergic and steroids eye drops.
What is the difference between cyclosporine and tacrolimus?
Tacrolimus and cyclosporine differ in their chemical structure: cyclosporine is a cyclic endecapeptide [8], whereas tacrolimus is a macrocyclic lactone [9]. However, they act in a similar manner. Both are calcineurin inhibitors; their main mechanism of action involves inhibition of this important phosphatase [1].
Does tacrolimus help blepharitis?
Topical tacrolimus has an established role in the treatment of ocular allergy—particularly atopic conjunctivitis and blepharitis—to decrease inflammation, and there have been reports of its use in graft-versus-host disease, corneal transplantation, and ocular pemphigoid.
Is tacrolimus safe for long-term use?
Effectiveness of tacrolimus was maintained with prolonged daily use. Tacrolimus ointment (0.1%) is safe and effective for long-term treatment of atopic dermatitis in children.
How safe is tacrolimus?
In summary, tacrolimus ointment seems to be safe and effective for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in children and adults. It should be used with caution, though, in those having diseases with a severely damaged skin barrier. We found no risk of skin thinning with its use, even for longer periods.