Protopic Ointment and/or Equivalents

Protopic Ointment

Protopic Ointment Drug Description

Protopic Ointment is a topical medication (applied on to body surfaces). The generic name of the drug contained in the ointment is tacrolimus, which is a macrolide immunosuppressant, produced by the microorganism Streptomyces tsukubaensis. The non-medicinal components in the ointment are propylene carbonate, paraffin, mineral oil, white wax and white petrolatum jelly. Protopic Ointment is available in two strengths. Protopic Ointment 0.03% is for application on children from two to fifteen years whereas Protopic Ointment 0.10% is for use on adults. Both strengths are available in 30 g and 100 g laminate tubes.

Conditions Treated by Protopic Ointment

Physicians prescribe Protopic Ointment to treat atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema. The drug tacrolimus contained in the ointment belongs to the class topical calcineurin inhibitors. The action of the drug is to reduce cell activity in the immune system of the body. This helps to retard the progress of eczema on the skin. Adults and children above two years of age can use the drug. Physicians recommend the drug for short durations. If a patient requires long-term treatment with the drug, doctors repeat treatment with intervals in between two consecutive treatments. Physicians recommend the use of Protopic Ointment after other medications have failed to work on the patient or are unsuitable for the patient. The ointment may be suitable for other conditions, as well.

Protopic Ointment Dosage Information

It is important to follow your doctor's guidance for dosage requirements.

a.) Typical dosage recommendations

In general, doctors advise application of the ointment twice a day. Apply the recommended quantity of the Protopic Ointment on to the affected skin only. Rub the medication gently until it gets absorbed into the skin. If there are no signs of improvement after 6 weeks of treatment, consult your doctor. Do not stop the medication without seeking professional advice.

b.) Missing a dose

It is crucial to follow the dosage schedule proposed by your doctor to get effective results from the medication. Apply the ointment at fixed times of the day. If you forget to apply the medication at a scheduled time, apply it as soon as you remember about it. Do not apply, however, if it is almost time for the next application of the ointment. Follow the usual schedule with the next dose.

c.) Overdosing

Over application of the ointment can be harmful. If you suspect that you have applied more medication than necessary, ask your doctor for advice. If oral intake of the medication occurs accidentally, call the poison centre for assistance immediately.

Protopic Ointment Warnings

It is prudent to inform your doctor if you are taking medication for any other condition. In addition, let him know if you have any form of skin cancer or skin infections including chicken pocks or herpes or a genetic skin disorder like Netherton's syndrome. Use the medication over the affected areas only. If the medication meets other areas of the body, wash it off with warm water. Wash your hands before and after applying the medication. Since eczema is a dry skin condition, you may use a moisturising lotion approved by your doctor with the ointment. Do not bathe directly after applying the medication. You may put on normal clothing. Do not cover the area with bandages. Clinical studies have reported very rare cases of skin cancers and lymphoma among patients using Protopic Ointment and other calcineurin inhibitors. It is not advisable to use the medication continuously over a long period. It is not certain whether it would be safe to use the medication for more than a year, even if used intermittently. Application of the ointment over large areas could cause greater absorption of the drug into the blood. It is judicious to stop treatment in between with the doctor's approval. It is advisable to avoid taking ultra violet radiation during the course of treatment with Protopic Ointment. In addition, you may limit your exposure to natural sunlight while using the ointment. You may wear loose comfortable clothes to protect the affected area from too much sun, if you have to go out. Since Protopic ointment suppresses the immune system, individuals with weakened immune systems should not use the medication. The medication is not suitable for children below the age of two. Clinical research has reported very rare instances of renal or kidney failure among patients using Protopic Ointment. Hence, it is advisable to exercise caution while prescribing the ointment to individuals with kidney disease. Some individuals may have bacterial or viral infections at the eczema sites. It is important to take care of these infections before commencing treatment of the eczema with Protopic Ointment. Store the ointment at room temperature. Do not refrigerate. Keep it out of reach of children and pets. Discard any unused medication. It is important to adopt proper disposal methods. You may ask your local pharmacist for advice. Do not throw it away in the garbage bin or flush it down the toilet.

Protopic Ointment Side Effects

Application of Protopic Ointment may cause minor burning or stinging sensation or soreness at the affected site. These discomforts usually disappear after a few days. The sensation can last from 2 minutes to 10 hours. If the discomfort persists after several days of use of the medication, inform your physician. There may be other side effects like infected hair follicles, acne, tingling in the skin, skin infections like cold sores and chicken pocks. You may experience frequent headaches, increased sensitivity to the cold or heat, swollen glands, flu and common colds. Inform your doctor about these effects to get relief. A rare unpleasant effect of using the ointment could be a potentially fatal allergic effect to either the medicinal or the inactive components of the drug. Signs of an allergic attack include rash or hives on the face or neck, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat and difficulty in breathing. It is important to contact the poison control centre at the first signs of an allergic attack.

Protopic Ointment Drug Interactions

The drug tacrolimus in Protopin Ointment may interact with other drugs taken orally or injected, if you use the ointment over an extended area. Inform your doctor if you are taking conivaptan, isoniazid, clarithromycin, telethromycin, nicardipine, quinidine, erythromycin or imatinib. Anti fungal medication such as clotrimazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, miconazole or voriconazole contained in ointments may interact with tacrolimus, as well.

If you have any questions about buying discount Protopic Ointment online or any other prescription products you can contact our team of professional Patient Service Representatives or one of our pharmacists 24-7 by calling 1-800-226-3784.

Notice: The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Protopic Ointment and/or Equivalents warnings, side-effects and general information