Elidel (Pimecrolimus Cream) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 3, 2012

Elidel

Allergy Drugs: Prescription and OTC »

Allergy medications overview

The arsenal of allergy drugs includes dozens of medications that relieve allergy symptoms when confronted with a trigger known as an allergen. That trigger could be something from a plant, such as pollen, or something from an animal (pet dander, dust mites, cockroaches). Other allergy triggers include certain fragrances or chemical substances.

What causes a person's allergic reaction is highly individual. But the reactions are often universal: swelling and inflammation, especially around the eyes, nose, and throat, usually accompanied by itching.

Some allergy medications work against the effects of histamines, which are released during an allergic reaction. Other medications reduce swelling, affect the immune system, or affect release of other substances associated with allergic reactions.

Many allergy drugs are available without a prescription.

For what conditions are allergy medicatio...

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Elidel User Reviews >>

Elidel

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Elidel®
(pimecrolimus) Cream 1%

FOR DERMATOLOGIC USE ONLY
NOT FOR OPHTHALMIC USE

See WARNINGS, BOXED WARNING concerning long-term safety of topical calcineurin inhibitors.

DRUG DESCRIPTION

ELIDEL® (pimecrolimus) Cream 1% contains the compound pimecrolimus, the immunosuppressant 33-epi-chloro-derivative of the macrolactam ascomycin.

Chemically, pimecrolimus is (1R,9S,12S,13R,14S,17R,18E,21S,23S,24R,25S,27R)-12-[(1E)-2{(1R,3R,4S)-4-chloro-3-methoxycyclohexyl}-1-methylvinyl]-17-ethyl-1,14-dihydroxy-23,25 dimethoxy-13,19,21,27-tetramethyl-11,28-dioxa-4-aza-tricyclo[22.3.1.0 4,9]octacos-18-ene2,3,10,16-tetraone.

The compound has the empirical formula C₄₃H₆₈CINO₁₁ and the molecular weight of 810.47. The structural formula is

Elidel® (pimecrolimus) Structural Formula Illustration

Pimecrolimus is a white to off-white fine crystalline powder. It is soluble in methanol and ethanol and insoluble in water.

Each gram of ELIDEL Cream 1% contains 10 mg of pimecrolimus in a whitish cream base of benzyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, citric acid, mono- and di-glycerides, oleyl alcohol, propylene glycol, sodium cetostearyl sulphate, sodium hydroxide, stearyl alcohol, triglycerides, and water.

What are the possible side effects of pimecrolimus topical (Elidel)?

Stop using pimecrolimus and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using pimecrolimus and call your doctor if you have:

worsened skin symptoms;
signs of a skin infection (redness, swelling, itching, oozing);
swollen glands; or
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms.

Less serious side effects are more likely to occur. Continue using...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Elidel »

What are the precautions when taking pimecrolimus cream (Elidel)?

Before using pimecrolimus, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: current infections (e.g., mononucleosis), use of light therapy (e.g., UVA or UVB), skin infections (e.g., herpes, chickenpox, shingles, warts), immune system problems.

This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths and sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during...

Read All Potential Precautions of Elidel »

Last reviewed on RxList: 8/11/2010
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.