ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/pimecrolimus-topical
US brand names:Elidel
Binds macrophilin-12, inhibiting calcineurin and preventing T-cell activation and cytokine release. Selective for skin-resident immune cells.
Local burning sensation initially. Avoid on infected skin. Less potent than tacrolimus. Alternative for atopic dermatitis when tacrolimus is not tolerated.
Species references:All Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugs
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 2 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | Topical | See the cited source for the printed regimen | Apply thin layer q12h to affected area | Weak | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th ed (held), Pimecrolimus Topical monograph, printed p.1465 (corpus PDF p.1492), Dermatologic Agents Topical. [CORRECTED - the 2026-08-05 locator re-map landed on printed p.1395, Pimecrolimus OPHTHALMIC, which states Elidel topical ointment should NOT be used in the eye.] ISBN 9781394172207 |
| Cat (Domestic) | Topical | Monitor for local irritation | Apply thin layer q12h | Anecdotal | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th ed, Pimecrolimus, Topical, printed p.1465 (corpus PDF p.1492) |
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