Synonyms
Anti-inflammatory agent; Immunosuppressant agent; Topical skin product
Definition
Topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs) are immunomodulatory preparations designed to suppress local immune-related reactions. Due to this mechanism of action, TCIs are approved for use in atopic dermatitis (AD) as second-line therapy (Astellas Pharma US, Inc 2012; Novartis Pharma Produktions GmbH 2011; Schneider et al. 2013). TCIs are often utilized in patients who have altered sensitivity to or poor therapeutic response with corticosteroid related treatment. In comparison to corticosteroids, TCIs can be used on most skin surface areas of the body as application does not result in skin atrophy and thinning (Schneider et al. 2013; Frankel and Qureshi 2012). Studies support the safety and efficacy of TCIs for treatment of AD; however, TCIs have not been studied in patients receiving treatment for greater than 1 year. Therefore, caution is warranted for long-term treatment of AD with TCIs.
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References
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Dell, K., Wantuch, G., Seligson, N. (2014). Topical Preparations: Calcineurin Inhibitors. In: Mackay, I.R., Rose, N.R., Ledford, D.K., Lockey, R.F. (eds) Encyclopedia of Medical Immunology. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-9194-1_247
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-9194-1_247
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