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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)

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Triamcinolone

 

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Summary for Tacrolimus

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.

Indications for Tacrolimus

  • Moderate-to-severe eczema in adults and children ages 2 years and older

Pros and Cons for Tacrolimus

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

Common Side Effects for Tacrolimus

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%)

Warnings for Tacrolimus

  • Long-term use and risk of cancer
  • Risk of infection
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Sun exposure
  • Sudden kidney failure

Summary for Triamcinolone

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 for Triamcinolone

  • Inflammatory skin conditions

Pros and Cons for Triamcinolone

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 for Triamcinolone

  • Burning
  • Itching
  • Skin irritation
  • Dry skin

Warnings for Triamcinolone

  • Reduced adrenal gland function
  • Skin infection
  • Skin problems

Prices with our coupons for Tacrolimus vs. Triamcinolone

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Tacrolimus1 tube / 60g of 0.1%
$62.20$247.97
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Triamcinolone1 jar / 430g of 0.05%
$68.06$881.83
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