Elidel cream

Q83 Patients using Elidel cream should be advised to avoid alcoholic drink during treatment. Elidel may cause folliculitis and impetigo as side-effects. 

Elidel cream consists of pimecrolimus, which is a calcineurin inhibitor that is used for eczema or psoriasis. Patients should be advised to avoid alcoholic drink during the treatment period as consumption of alcohol may lead to facial flushing and skin irritation. Side-effects associated with the topical administration of pimecrolimus include a burning sensation, pruritus, erythema and skin infections, including folliculitis and, less commonly, impetigo. 

The topical immunomodulators tacrolimus (Protopic) and pimecrolimus (Elidel) inhibit calcineurin, which normally initiatives T-cell activation. These agents can be used on all parts of the body for prolonged periods without producing corticosteroid-induced adverse effects. Tacrolimus ointment 0.03% and 0.1% is applied twice daily the lower strength is preferred in children with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. The most common adverse effect is transient itching and burning at the site of application. Pimecrolimus cream 1% is applied twice daily for mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in adults and children older than age 2. 

Pimecrolimus (Elidel) 1 % cream for mild to moderate AD in children and adults (it has been studied in infants as young as 3 months)... 

Papp K, Ho V, Halber A, et al. Pimecrolimus (Elidel, SDZ ASM 981) cream 1 % is effective and safe in infants aged 3-23 months with atopic dermatitis. Pediatr Dermatol 2001 18(Suppl) 76 (Abstract). 

Pimecrolimus 1% cream (Elidel), a macroMe derived from ascomycin, is FDA approved for the treatment of atopic dermatitis in patients older than 2 years of age. 

Pimecrolimus 1% cream (elidel), a macrolide derived from azomycin, is FDA-approved for the treatment of atopic dermatitis in patients >2 years of age. Its mechanism of action and side effect profile are similar to those of tacrolimus. Burning, while occurring in some patients, appears to be less common with pimecrohmus than with tacrolimus. In addition, pimecrolimus has less systemic absorption. Similar precautions with regard to UV exposure should be taken during treatment with pimecrolimus. 

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