Elidel cream is a topical immunosuppressant cream used for the short-term and non-continuous chronic treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis (eczema) in non-immunocompromised adults and children 2 years of age and older. It contains the compound pimecrolimus, the immunosuppressant 33-epi-chloro-derivative of the macrolactam ascomycin, and each gram of Elidel cream contains 10 mg of pimecrolimus as the active ingredient.
Positive aspects of Elidel cream include its steroid-free nature, which makes it a safer alternative to topical corticosteroids for treating atopic dermatitis. Negative aspects of Elidel cream include the fact that it may cause local skin reactions such as contact dermatitis due to the presence of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It also contains 10 mg benzyl alcohol per 1 g cream, which may cause allergic reactions and mild local irritation, and 50 mg propylene glycol (E 1520), per 1 g cream which may cause skin irritation.
In terms of effectiveness, two studies showed that 1% Elidel cream was not as effective as the positive controls in the treatment of atopic dermatitis in adult patients. However, it can be a useful second-line therapy for those who have failed to respond adequately to other topical prescription treatments, or when those treatments are not advisable.
