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Lotion Formulation Improves Tolerance To Tacrolimus In Facial Atopic Dermatitis

A lotion formulation of tacrolimus (FK 506), a derivative of a soil fungus, significantly improves recalcitrant facial erythema in adults with atopic dermatitis who were resistant to tacrolimus ointment.

One reason for unresponsiveness to the ointment may be contact sensitivity to white petrolatum, suggest researchers at Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan.

Tacrolimus has immunosuppressive properties similar to cyclosporine but is 10-100 times more potent. Tacrolimus ointment has a good record in treating recalcitrant facial erythema in most patients with atopic dermatitis. However, the researchers identified 19 patients who failed to respond to it. Their condition was treated with an original tacrolimus lotion preparation for six months.

Patch testing with white petrolatum was carried out in both the 19 patients and in 30 other atopic dermatitis patients who had experienced good results with tacrolimus ointment.

Of the 19 resistant patients, symptoms were greatly or moderately improved by the lotion in 95 percent after two weeks and in 89 percent after three months and six months of treatment.

Patch testing to petrolatum showed positive reactions in six of the 19 patients but not in any of the 30 controls who had responded to topical tacrolimus ointment.
British Journal of Dermatology 2001; 145 5):795-798. "An open study of a lotion formulation to improve tolerance of tacrolimus in facial atopic dermatitis"

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