An Introduction to Dosing With Tacrolimus
The dose of
tacrolimus (
Prograf®,
Protopic®) your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- The particular tacrolimus product you are using
- The reason you are using it
- How you respond to it
- Your age
- Your weight
- Your tacrolimus blood levels
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you are taking.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dosage unless your healthcare provider specifically tells you to do so.
Tacrolimus Dosage for the Prevention of Transplant Rejection
The initial dosage of oral tacrolimus to prevent transplant rejection in adults is usually between 0.
0375 mg per kg and 0.1 mg per kg (0.017 mg per lb to 0.045 mg per lb) twice a day, with 12 hours between doses. The actual amount will depend on the type of organ transplant you had and other medicines that you will be taking in addition to tacrolimus. People with kidney problems or severe liver disease may need a lower dose.
The first dose is usually given at least six hours after the transplant surgery. In the case of a kidney transplant, the first dose is usually given as soon as the transplanted kidneys appear to be functioning properly.
The initial oral tacrolimus dosage to prevent liver transplant rejection in children is typically 0.075 mg to 0.1 mg per kg (about 0.034 mg to 0.045 mg per lb) twice a day.
If you are unable to take tacrolimus by mouth after your surgery, you may be given the drug via intravenous (IV) injection. The initial dose of tacrolimus injection is usually 0.01 mg per kg each day after a heart transplant (0.0045 mg per lb), and 0.03 mg to 0.05 mg per kg (0.014 mg to 0.023 mg per lb) each day after a liver or kidney transplant.
You will be switched to oral tacrolimus as soon as possible, usually within two to three days of having surgery. Your first dose will normally be given 8 to 12 hours after the IV injection is stopped.
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