Topical tacrolimus 0.03% ointment for intractable allergic conjunctivitis: an open-label pilot study.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To evaluate the feasibility of tacrolimus 0.03% dermatological ointment (Protopic) in the treatment of intractable allergic conjunctivitis.

METHODS:

Twenty patients (mean age 10.8 years, range 6-26) with intractable allergic conjunctivitis were enrolled in an open-label study. Tacrolimus 0.03% ointment was applied into the conjunctival sac of both eyes twice daily for 8 weeks, followed by a 2-week washout period. Other ocular medications were discontinued. Conjunctivitis severity was recorded with a composite subjective/objective score (chemosis, tarsal papillary size, corneal staining, tearing, itching, and photophobia) at baseline, week 8, and after washout. Tacrolimus blood levels were measured at 2 weeks.

RESULTS:

Statistically significant improvement in all categories of the conjunctivitis score was observed between baseline and the week 8 examination (p < 0.001). Adverse events were limited to local burning in one patient who discontinued treatment. Blood tacrolimus levels were mostly undetectable.

CONCLUSIONS:

Application of tacrolimus 0.03% dermatological ointment into the conjunctival sac appears to be effective, well tolerated, and safe in the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis refractory to traditional treatment.

• Authors: Liat Attas-Fox, Yaniv Barkana, Vladimir Iskhakov, Svetlana Rayvich, Yariv Gerber, Yair Morad, Isaac Avni, David Zadok
• Journal: Current eye research (Curr Eye Res) Vol. 33 Issue 7 Pg. 545-9 (Jul 2008) ISSN: 1460-2202 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 18600486 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Immunosuppressive Agents
• Ointments
• Tacrolimus

Topics

• Administration, Topical
• Adolescent
• Adult
• Child
• Conjunctivitis, Allergic (diagnosis, drug therapy)
• Feasibility Studies
• Female
• Humans
• Immunosuppressive Agents (administration & dosage)
• Male
• Ointments
• Pilot Projects
• Prospective Studies
• Tacrolimus (administration & dosage)
• Treatment Outcome
• Visual Acuity