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Compare Tacrolimus vs. Triamcinolone

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Tacrolimus (Protopic) and triamcinolone are both topical medications that can be used to treat eczema, but they have some important differences. Tacrolimus is a calcineurin inhibitor, while triamcinolone is a corticosteroid. Tacrolimus is specifically FDA-approved for moderate-to-severe eczema in adults and children ages 2 and older, whereas triamcinolone is used for a number of inflammatory skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, and skin allergies. Tacrolimus is an ointment that is applied twice daily, while triamcinolone comes in multiple forms, such as creams, ointments, lotions, and sprays, and is applied 2 to 4 times daily depending on the formulation. Common tacrolimus side effects include burning, itching, and flu-like symptoms. Triamcinolone rarely causes side effects, but can cause include burning, itching, and dryness. Tacrolimus may increase your risk of skin infections and sensitivity to sunlight, while triamcinolone can cause skin thinning and other skin changes if used excessively or for long periods of time.

  • Tacrolimus (Protopic)
    Triamcinolone
  • Tacrolimus (Protopic)
    Triamcinolone

  • Summary of Tacrolimus vs. Triamcinolone

    Summary for Immunosuppressant
    Prescription only

    Tacrolimus (Protopic) is a prescription non-steroid ointment used short-term on the skin to treat moderate-to-severe eczema (atopic dermatitis). It's a calcineurin inhibitor that helps lower the immune system’s response so it doesn’t cause inflammation and make eczema worse. Tacrolimus (Protopic) is approved for both adults and children ages 2 years and older who don't have a weakened immune system. It comes as both a brand-name and generic ointment that you apply to the affected area twice daily. Common side effects include stinging, itching, and a burning sensation at the application site.

    Summary for Corticosteroid
    Prescription only

    Triamcinolone is a topical corticosteroid used to treat different inflammatory skin conditions, like eczema psoriasis, or skin allergies, in adults and children. It works by reducing inflammation, redness, and irritation. The medication is available in various formulations, such as cream, ointment, lotion, and topical spray. Depending on the formulation, it's typically applied between 2 to 4 times a day. Side effects are rare, but can include burning, itching, and dryness at the application site.

  • Indications of Tacrolimus vs. Triamcinolone

    Indications for
    •Moderate-to-severe eczema in adults and children ages 2 years and older
    Indications for
    •Inflammatory skin conditions

  • Pros and Cons of Tacrolimus vs. Triamcinolone

    Pros and Const for Immunosuppressant
    Pros
    •Non-steroid option for treating eczema
    •Usually starts to work as early as 1 week
    •Can be used in both adults and children
    •Can be applied to the face, neck, groin, around the eyes, or in skin folds
    Cons
    •Not a first-choice medication for treating eczema
    •Typically only used short term
    •Can cause burning and stinging where you apply it
    •Unknown if safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding
    Pros and Const for Corticosteroid
    Pros
    •Symptoms typically start to improve within a few days
    •Many formulations to choose from, such as ointment, cream, lotion, and spray
    •Might have less side effects compared to oral steroids that you take by mouth
    Cons
    •For short-term use only
    •Children might absorb more of this medication, raising the risk of side effects
    •Needs to be applied multiple times a day

  • Common Side Effects of Tacrolimus vs. Triamcinolone

    Common Side Effects for

    Adults:

    •Skin burning (up to 58%)
    •Itchiness (up to 46%)
    •Flu-like symptoms (up to 31%)
    •Skin redness (up to 28%)
    •Headache (up to 20%)

    Children:

    •Skin burning (up to 43%)
    •Itchiness (up to 41%)
    •Flu-like symptoms (up to 34%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Burning
    •Itching
    •Skin irritation
    •Dry skin

  • Warnings of Tacrolimus vs. Triamcinolone

    Common Side Effects for
    •Long-term use and risk of cancer
    •Risk of infection
    •Swollen lymph nodes
    •Sun exposure
    •Sudden kidney failure
    Common Side Effects for
    •Reduced adrenal gland function
    •Skin infection
    •Skin problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Tacrolimus vs. Triamcinolone

    Learn more about Tacrolimus
    Learn more about Triamcinolone

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