Master Tacrolimus (Prograf) Overview with Picmonic for Nursing RN

Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressant medication used to prevent organ rejection in liver, kidney and heart transplant patients. Tacrolimus works by inhibiting an enzyme called calcineurin that is responsible for production of cytokines such as IL-2.

Inhibition of calcineurin suppresses production of cytokines, such as IL-2, that are responsible for producing B cells and cytotoxic T cells. By decreasing production of these cells, tacrolimus effectively suppresses the patient’s immune system.

Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressant medication, usually given with a glucocorticoid, used to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients.

Atopic dermatitis, also called eczema, is an inflammatory skin disease. Tacrolimus is available as a topical ointment for the treatment of this condition. Tacrolimus works locally to suppress the release of inflammatory mediators, effectively decreasing inflammation associated with atopic dermatitis.

Tacrolimus can increase a patient’s risk of developing malignant lymphoma.

Patients taking Tacrolimus should not drink grapefruit juice. Grapefruit juice prevents the drug from being metabolized and can lead to toxicity.