Tacrolimus, topical

What is this medication for?

• Atopic dermatitis (localized lesions), discoid lupus, pemphigus E/F, pinnal vascular disease, alopecia areata, vitiligo, perianal fistulas (maintenance after cyclosporine) — the steroid-sparing, non-atrophogenic topical

How is it given?

Give exactly as your veterinarian prescribed — never change the dose or stop on your own unless your veterinarian has told you to.

• The ointment base ≠ ophthalmic: propylene carbonate ocular-toxin warning (never compound into eye meds — use true ophthalmic tacrolimus for dry eye).

What if I miss a dose?

• Give it as soon as you remember — unless it is almost time for the next dose (then skip the missed one; never double up).
• Call your clinic if you miss more than one dose in a row.

Side effects — what should I watch for?

Effects listed as common in this handout

• Local irritation/itching at application (Possible)
• Sunburn-risk at treated sites (unproven concern) (Counseling point)
• Human black-box: skin-cancer/lymphoma theoretical risk (Owner-informed gloves)

Worth a phone call to your veterinarian

• Any new symptom that worries you.

⚠️ Contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic IMMEDIATELY if you notice

• Trouble breathing, collapse, seizures, severe vomiting or diarrhea, facial swelling, or pale gums

Before starting (or refilling), tell your veterinarian if your pet:

• has or has had: Keep out of eyes/mucosa (except deliberate oral-papilloma use); no licking/grooming of site; no occlusive dressings; don't touch site after application

• is pregnant, nursing, or used for breeding
• is taking any other medications, supplements, or flea/tick products, including:
  • None significant (negligible absorption)

Storage and handling

Ointment tube; gloves for owners; don't occlude; avoid sun exposure of treated site (photosensitization concern).

Good to know

• The topical answer to "steroid-sparing": ears/paws/nose of atopic dogs, DLE nose lesions, anal-fistula maintenance — cyclosporine-class immunology without the systemic load or steroid atrophy.
• The ointment base ≠ ophthalmic: propylene carbonate ocular-toxin warning (never compound into eye meds — use true ophthalmic tacrolimus for dry eye).
• Behavior-mod pearl: an Elizabethan collar or distraction beats fighting the tongue — licked-off drug does nothing (and upsets the stomach/intestinal).