Introduction - calcineurin Introduction - calcineurin inhibitor Uses Topical calcineurin inhibitors Oral calcineurin inhibitors Risks
Calcineurin is a cellular enzyme that catalyses some processes in activated T-lymphocytes.
A calcineurin inhibitor stops calcineurin working, by binding to proteins in the cells called immunophilins. The results are:
Calcineurin inhibitors are used topically and systemically to treat various inflammatory skin diseases, especially:
Ciclosporin can be used topically, but must be compounded extemporaneously in New Zealand.
Side effects and risks of the specific calcineurin inhibitor are described in the individual topics.
As a class of drug, the main concern is the effect of calcineurin on kidney function. Suspected reasons for nephrotoxicity include:
The risk of nephrotoxicity is reduced by:
Approved datasheets are the official source of information for medicines, including approved uses, doses, and safety information. Check the individual datasheet in your country for information about medicines.
We suggest you refer to your national drug approval agency such as the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), UK Medicines and Healthcare products regulatory agency (MHRA) / emc, and NZ Medsafe, or a national or state-approved formulary eg, the New Zealand Formulary (NZF) and New Zealand Formulary for Children (NZFC) and the British National Formulary (BNF) and British National Formulary for Children (BNFC).
