Tacrolimus Ophthalmic for Cat
Cat · Felis catus · typical adult weight 2.50–7.00 kg
Tacrolimus Ophthalmic is used in cat for Eosinophilic keratitis refractory to cyclosporine. Routes documented in cat: Ophthalmic. A typical adult cat weighs 2.50–7.00 kg. ExoticRx lists 1 cited dose rule for Tacrolimus Ophthalmic in cat, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Trade names: Protopic Ophthalmic Compounded
Dose ranges
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Duration | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ophthalmic | 0 mg/kg | Apply 0.02% ointment to affected eye(s) q12h | Chronic use | Eosinophilic keratitis refractory to cyclosporine | Moderate | Gelatt KN, Veterinary Ophthalmology, 6th Ed |
Need the exact dose for your patient?
These ranges are per kg. Enter your cat's weight to get the precise dose and draw-up volume — unit and concentration math done for you.
Mechanism of action
Calcineurin inhibitor 10-100x more potent than cyclosporine. Inhibits T-lymphocyte activation and proliferation, reducing lacrimal gland inflammation.
Side effects & warnings
Used for KCS refractory to cyclosporine ophthalmic. Must be compounded. More effective than cyclosporine in some cases. Mild local irritation possible.
Species-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for cat may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Other Ophthalmic drugs with cat dosing
Tacrolimus Ophthalmic dosing in other species
Why a species-specific page? Tacrolimus Ophthalmic pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in cat — the rules above are the citations specific to this species, not generic recommendations.
Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice.