Key takeaways

  • Eucrisa (crisaborole) is a prescription drug that’s used to treat mild to moderate eczema.
  • Eucrisa comes as a topical ointment and is typically applied as a thin layer to affected skin areas twice per day.
  • Eucrisa can be used as a long-term treatment for ongoing eczema symptoms or used during flare-ups only. Your doctor will explain how often you’ll use Eucrisa.

Eucrisa is used to treat eczema in adults and in children ages 3 months and older.

The active ingredient in Eucrisa is crisaborole. It belongs to a group of drugs called phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitors.

This article describes Eucrisa’s dosage, form, strength, and how to use it. To learn more about Eucrisa, see this in-depth article.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended for Eucrisa. But be sure to use the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those mentioned here.

What is Eucrisa’s form?

Eucrisa comes as a topical ointment in a tube. (Topical means the drug is applied to the skin.)

Eucrisa ointment is available in tube sizes of 60 grams (g) and 100 g.

What strength does Eucrisa come in?

Eucrisa comes in one strength of 2%. This means there are 20 milligrams (mg) of the active ingredient crisaborole per gram (g) of ointment.

Eucrisa is approved to treat mild to moderate eczema. The typical dosage for adults with eczema is a thin layer of Eucrisa applied to the affected area of skin two times per day.

Once you notice a reduction in your eczema symptoms, your doctor may have you start using Eucrisa just once per day.

Eucrisa should only be applied externally to the skin. It should not be used in the:

  • eyes
  • mouth
  • vagina

Eucrisa may be prescribed to treat eczema in children ages 3 months and older. The dosage for children is the same as for adults: a thin layer of Eucrisa applied to the affected area of skin twice daily.

Once you notice a reduction in your child’s eczema symptoms, their doctor may reduce their Eucrisa dosage to one application per day.

Eucrisa ointment is applied as a thin layer. You’ll use it on areas of skin where there is eczema irritation.

Wash your hands after applying Eucrisa, unless your hands are being treated. If someone else applies Eucrisa for you, ask them to wash their hands after doing this.

Is Eucrisa used long term?

If you have constant eczema symptoms and your body responds well to Eucrisa, you may use the drug long term.

Some people have periods of remission in which eczema symptoms go away. But then flare-ups may occur, meaning symptoms return or get worse. Your doctor may advise you to stop using Eucrisa during a period of remission and start using it again during a flare-up.

Depending on your doctor’s instructions, you may use Eucrisa long term or only during flare-ups.

If you miss applying a dose of Eucrisa, apply it as soon as you remember. But if it’s close to the time of your next dose, skip the dose you missed. You’ll then apply the next dose at its regular time.

If you need help remembering when to apply your dose of Eucrisa, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.

Do not use more Eucrisa than your doctor prescribes. Using more than this can lead to side effects.

Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve used too much Eucrisa. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.

Q:

How do I know I’m getting the right dose when I can’t exactly measure “a thin layer”?

Anonymous

A:

You should apply just as much ointment as needed to cover your treatment areas. This will provide a thin layer over the places where you need medication on your skin.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions or need help identifying the areas you should be treating.

Dena Westphalen, PharmDAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.