Adult: For short-term and intermittent long-term treatment of mild to moderate cases in non-immunocompromised patients, when conventional therapies (e.g. topical corticosteroids) are ineffective, intolerable or inappropriate: As 1% cream: Apply thinly to the affected areas bid until symptoms resolve. Discontinue treatment if there is no improvement after 6 weeks or if the condition is exacerbated. Avoid continuous chronic use. Child: For short-term and intermittent long-term treatment of mild to moderate cases in non-immunocompromised patients, when conventional therapies (e.g. topical corticosteroids) are ineffective, intolerable or inappropriate: ≥3 months As 1% cream: Same as adult dose. Treatment recommendations and age range of use may vary among countries and between individual products (refer to specific product guidelines).
What are the brands available for Pimecrolimus in Singapore?
Elidel
Special Precautions
Patient with generalised erythroderma. Should not be used in immunocompromised patients, including those on systemic immunosuppressive therapy. Not recommended for patients with Netherton's syndrome or skin conditions (e.g. severely inflamed and/or damaged skin) that may increase the possibility of systemic absorption. Avoid use on potentially malignant or pre-malignant skin lesions (e.g. cutaneous T-cell lymphoma). Do not apply to areas affected by active bacterial infections or acute cutaneous viral infections (e.g. chicken pox, herpes simplex); clinical infections must be resolved before treatment initiation. Children. Pregnancy and lactation.
Adverse Reactions
Significant: Increased risk of eczema herpeticum, varicella zoster infections (chickenpox or shingles), skin herpes simplex infections, or skin bacterial infections (impetigo); lymphadenopathy; skin papilloma or warts; application site reactions (e.g. sensation of warmth or burning, soreness, stinging, pruritus). Rarely, increased risk of developing lymphomas and skin malignancies. General disorders and administration site conditions: Fever. Immune system disorders: Hypersensitivity. Rarely, anaphylactic reactions. Infections and infestations: Influenza, folliculitis. Nervous system disorders: Headache. Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: URTI, nasopharyngitis, rhinitis, bronchitis, cough.
Avoid contact with the eyes or mucous membranes. Do not use occlusive dressings unless directed by the doctor. Avoid or minimise exposure to natural or artificial sunlight; use sunscreen or protective clothing.
Food Interaction
Rare instances of flushing, burning, itching, swelling or rash have been observed shortly after alcohol consumption.
Action
Description: Overview: Pimecrolimus is an anti-inflammatory macrolactam ascomycin derivative that acts as a calcineurin inhibitor and an immunosuppressant. Mechanism of Action: The exact mechanism of pimecrolimus in atopic dermatitis management has not been determined, but it is thought to involve the inhibition of T-cell activation. It binds with high affinity to macrophilin-12 (FKBP-12) and blocks calcineurin, a calcium-dependent phosphatase. Consequently, this action inhibits the transcription of proinflammatory cytokine genes (e.g. interleukin [IL]-2, IL-4, IL-10, interferon-γ) and prevents T-cell activation. Additionally, pimecrolimus inhibits the release of inflammatory mediators from mast cells following antigen/IgE stimulation. Onset: 8 days (significant improvement). Pharmacokinetics: Absorption: Minimal systemic absorption. Time to peak plasma concentration: 2-6 hours. Distribution: Plasma protein binding: 99.6%, mainly to various lipoproteins.
Chemical Structure
Pimecrolimus Source: National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 6509979, Pimecrolimus. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Pimecrolimus. Accessed Nov. 26, 2025.
D11AH02 - pimecrolimus ; Belongs to the class of agents for atopic dermatitis, excluding corticosteroids. Used in the treatment of atopic dermatitis.
References
Brayfield A, Cadart C (eds). Pimecrolimus. Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference [online]. London. Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 06/11/2025.Elidel 10 mg/g Cream (Mylan Products Ltd.). MHRA. https://products.mhra.gov.uk. Accessed 06/11/2025.Elidel Cream (Mylan Healthcare Sdn. Bhd.). National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency - Ministry of Health Malaysia. https://www.npra.gov.my. Accessed 06/11/2025.Joint Formulary Committee. Pimecrolimus. British National Formulary [online]. London. BMJ Group and Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 06/11/2025.Paediatric Formulary Committee. Pimecrolimus. BNF for Children [online]. London. BMJ Group, Pharmaceutical Press, and RCPCH Publications. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 06/11/2025.Pimecrolimus Cream (Oceanside Pharmaceuticals). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed. Accessed 06/11/2025.Pimecrolimus. Gold Standard Drug Database in ClinicalKey [online]. Elsevier Inc. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed 13/11/2025.Pimecrolimus. UpToDate Lexidrug, AHFS DI (Adult and Pediatric) Online. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Waltham, MA. UpToDate, Inc. https://online.lexi.com. Accessed 06/11/2025.Pimecrolimus. UpToDate Lexidrug, Lexi-Drugs Multinational Online. Waltham, MA. UpToDate, Inc. https://online.lexi.com. Accessed 06/11/2025.Viatris Ltd. Elidel 1% w/w (10 mg/g) Topical Cream data sheet 17 March 2022. Medsafe. http://www.medsafe.govt.nz. Accessed 06/11/2025.
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