E. Lacaz’s scientific contributions

Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressive drug with wide clinical use. In this revision article the authors review the pharmacology, contraindications, side-effects, current indications and therapeutic perspectives of cyclosporine in dermatology. Cyclosporine stands out due to the relative absence of myelotoxicity, rare corticosteroid-like effects and its selective antilymphocyte effect, proving to be an effective therapeutic alternative in a great number of inflammatory and non-inflammatory diseases. Psoriasis and atopic dermatitis continue to be the main indications for use of cyclosporine. However, cyclosporine is often opted against probably because of its potentially serious nephro- and cardiotoxicity and the necessity for a rigorous follow-up of the patients. The microemulsion-based formulation of cyclosporine retains the same therapeutic profile but with less side-effects than in the traditional presentation. Uniterms: Cyclosporine, Cyclosporine/therapeutic use. Immunosuppressive Agents.