Tacrolimus
Tacrolimus Information

About Tacrolimus

A potent macrolide immunosuppressant derived from Streptom yces tsukubaensis. It prevents or reverses rejection in patients receiving organ transplants. On weight basis tacrolimus is 10-100 times more potent than cyclosporine in inhibiting immune responses. Nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and gastrointestinal complaints are its common side effects.

Indications

Tacrolimus is primarily indicated in conditions like Atopic dermatitis, Kidney transplantation, Liver transplantation, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Graft versus host disease, Immune disorders, Liver transplant, Organ grafts, Renal transplant.

Contraindication

Tacrolimus is contraindicated in conditions like Hypersensitivity,Pregnancy.

Side Effects

The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Tacrolimus, which give rise to further complications include Hallucinations, Tachycardia, Confusion, Anxiety, Leucopenia, Renal failure, Hyperglycemia, Hypertension, Angina, Leucocytosis, Tremors, Oliguria, Renal insufficiency, Anuria, Tublar necrosis.Tacrolimus produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Coma, Convulsions, Anaphylactic shock, Renal failure, Neurotoxicity, Psychosis, Speech disorder, Tubular necrosis. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Tacrolimus therapy.The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Tacrolimus are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Headache, Nausea, Diarrhea, Constipation.

Warnings

Care is required in patients with pre-existing renal impairment. Dosage should be adjusted according to whole blood or plasma trough concentrations in individual patients. Dosage reduction may be necessary in patients with hepatic impairment. Monitoring of blood concentrations of tacrolimus is recommended in all patients. Renal and hepatic function, blood pressure and hematological and cardiac function a s well as visual function should be monitored regularly

High Risk Groups

Drug should not be given to Pregnant Mothers, and Neonates.If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.