Crisaborole Pfizer
crisaborole
What it does
Crisaborole is a topical medication used to treat certain skin conditions.
Commonly used for: eczema (atopic dermatitis)
Read more in plain English ↓Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.
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Sourcing - Kenya onlyRegistration & product details
Source: Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority · fetched 2026-07-13 03:13:52 · updated 2026-10-19 03:00:45
About this medicine
Crisaborole is a topical medication used to treat certain skin conditions.
What it treats
- eczema (atopic dermatitis)
How it works
Crisaborole works by reducing inflammation and itching in the skin.
Who it's for
This medication is for people with mild to moderate eczema.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: crisaborole
BNF-referencedCrisaborole is a topical phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor used primarily in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. It offers a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory option for patients, particularly beneficial for those seeking to avoid topical corticosteroids. Its mechanism focuses on reducing inflammation in the skin by modulating the immune response.
Indications
- Atopic dermatitis
- Psoriasis
Dosage
Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for appropriate dosing guidance.
Adults: Apply a thin layer to affected areas twice daily.
Mechanism of action
Inhibition of PDE4 by crisaborole leads to elevated levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). Increased intracellular levels of cAMP inhibit the NF-kB pathway and suppress the release of pro-inflammatory mediators such as TNF-alpha and various interleukins that play a causative role in psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Suppression of downstream effects in different cell types may explain the therapeutic role of crisaborole in immune-mediated skin diseases.
Pharmacodynamics
Crisaborole has broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory activity by mainly targeting phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) enzyme, a key regulator of inflammatory cytokine production. As this enzyme is expressed in keratinocytes and immune cells, crisaborole mediates an anti-inflammatory effect on almost all inflammatory cells. Topical application of this drug is useful as it potentiates the localization of this drug in the skin, and this anti-inflammatory activity is in the low micromolar range.
Adverse effects
- Application site pain
- Burning sensation
- Itching
Precautions
- Not for use in individuals with known hypersensitivity to crisaborole or any of its components.
- Caution is advised when using on large areas of skin or with occlusive dressings.
Pregnancy
Crisaborole should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Breast-feeding
Crisaborole is likely safe during breastfeeding, but caution is advised; consult with a healthcare provider.
Storage
Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
Formulations
- Topical ointment 2%
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Molecular reference: crisaborole
PubChem CID 44591583Molecular formula: C14H10BNO3
Mechanism of action
Inhibition of PDE4 by crisaborole leads to elevated levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). Increased intracellular levels of cAMP inhibit the NF-kB pathway and suppress the release of pro-inflammatory mediators such as TNF-alfa and various interleukins that play a causative role in psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Suppression of downstream effects in different cell types may explain the therapeutic role of crisaborole in immune-mediated skin diseases.
Pharmacodynamics
Crisaborole has broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory activity by mainly targeting phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) enzyme that is a key regulator of inflammatory cytokine production. As this enzyme is expressed in keratinocytes and immune cells, crisaborole mediates an anti-inflammatory effect on almost all inflammatory cells. Topical application of this drug is useful as it potentiates the localization of this drug in the skin and this anti-inflammatory activity is in the low micromolar range.
Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.
This drug in other countries
The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.