Dog · Canis lupus familiaris · typical adult weight 2.00–80.00 kg
Tacrolimus Ophthalmic is used in dogs for KCS refractory to cyclosporine. Routes documented in dogs: Ophthalmic. A typical adult dog weighs 2.00–80.00 kg. ExoticRx lists 1 cited dose rule for Tacrolimus Ophthalmic in dogs, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
US trade names: Protopic Ophthalmic Compounded
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Duration | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ophthalmic | 10-100x more potent than cyclosporine | Apply 0.02-0.03% ointment to affected eye(s) q12h | Chronic use; may see improvement in 2-4 weeks | KCS refractory to cyclosporine | Strong | Adkins, E.A., Hendrix, D.V.H., Stuffle, J.L., et al. (2003) An Investigation of the Safety And Efficacy Of Topical Ophthalmic Application Of Tacrolimus In Dogs. 34th Annual Meeting of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists, p. 39. Coeur D'Alene, ID, USA. — Verified against Veterinary Ophthalmology (Gelatt), 6th Ed, p.450 (2026-08-01). |
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Calcineurin inhibitor 10-100x more potent than cyclosporine. Inhibits T-lymphocyte activation and proliferation, reducing lacrimal gland inflammation.
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 dogs may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Tacrolimus Ophthalmic dose range in dogs, with cited source references: Ophthalmic 10-100x more potent than cyclosporine Apply 0.02-0.03% ointment to affected eye(s) q12h. Reference ranges from cited sources — verify against current literature before clinical use.
Documented routes for Tacrolimus Ophthalmic in dogs: Ophthalmic.
Cited course lengths for Tacrolimus Ophthalmic in dogs include: Chronic use; may see improvement in 2-4 weeks. Duration depends on the indication — match it to the specific dose rule in the table above.
Tacrolimus Ophthalmic is indicated in dogs for: KCS refractory to cyclosporine.
These are general warnings for Tacrolimus Ophthalmic across species; consult the dog dosing table above for species-specific guidance. Used for KCS refractory to cyclosporine ophthalmic. Must be compounded. More effective than cyclosporine in some cases. Mild local irritation possible.
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 dogs — 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.