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Calcineurin inhibitors are medicines which inhibit the action of calcineurin. Calcineurin is an enzyme that activates T-cells of the immune system. T-cells (also called T-lymphocytes) are a type of white blood cell that play a key role in cell-mediated immunity. Because calcineurin inhibitors suppress the immune system they are known as immunosuppressants.

Topical calcineurin inhibitors (pimecrolimus, tacrolimus) may be used to treat inflammatory skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis when other treatments have failed. Oral and injectable calcineurin inhibitors (cyclosporine, tacrolimus) are used for both the induction and maintenance of postoperative immunosuppression.