Pimecrolimus cream 1 percent shows less systemic absorptionthan tacrolimus 0.1 percent in treatment of atopic dermatitis

Washington - In the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, pimecrolimus (Elidel) cream 1 percent is less likely than tacrolimus (Protopic) ointment 0.1 percent to be systemically absorbed, said Zoe Draelos, M.D., lead investigator of a blind treatment trial that compared systemic exposure levels of the two topical drugs.