Pimecrolimus for psoriasis

Abstract

Introduction: Pimecrolimus is a calcineurin inhibitor which has a role in the treatment of psoriasis. However, it remains an off-license treatment, despite its potential use in patients with treatment-resistant psoriasis or in those who have had multiple adverse effects to other therapies.

Areas covered: This review covers the efficacy and role of both topical and oral Pimecrolimus in the management of psoriasis and compares them to other available treatments. The paper provides a comprehensive review of the literature on topical and oral Pimecrolimus and its utility in the treatment of patients with psoriasis following literature searches via PubMed and Embase.

Expert opinion: Topical Pimecrolimus is an effective, off-license treatment option particularly for facial and intertriginous psoriasis. Oral Pimecrolimus shows great promise as an alternative systemic treatment option, but Phase III trials are required before further recommendations can be made.

Keywords::

• ascomycin macrolactams
• calcineurin inhibitors
• dermatology
• pimecrolimus
• psoriasis
• tacrolimus