Tacrolimus, Structure, Metabolism, Mechanism Of Action, Drug Interactions, Therapeutic Uses, Side Effects and Contraindications
Tacrolimus Tacrolimus is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as calcineurin inhibitors. It is primarily used to suppress the immune system in order to prevent organ rejection in people who have undergone organ transplantation, such as kidney, liver, or heart transplantation. Tacrolimus works by inhibiting the activity of calcineurin, an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the activation of T-cells, a type of immune cell involved in the immune response. By inhibiting T-cell activation, tacrolimus helps to reduce the immune system's response to the transplanted organ, thereby preventing rejection. Tacrolimus is available under various brand names, depending on the manufacturer and the country. Some common brand names for tacrolimus include: 1. Prograf 2. Advagraf (extended-release formulation) 3. Astagraf XL (extended-release formulation) 4. Envarsus XR (extended-release formulation) 5. Modigraf 6. Hecoria 7. Protopic (also available as a topical ointment for treat...