Crisaborole
Other dermatological medicines
Other dermatological medicines
A boron-containing PDE4 inhibitor ointment for mild to moderate atopic dermatitis; its main side effect is burning or stinging where applied.
Quick facts
- Group
- Other dermatological medicines
- Target
- Phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4), mainly PDE4B
- Used for
- Mild to moderate atopic dermatitis
- Key effects
- Burning or stinging where applied
- Monitor
- Eczema response · Signs of allergic contact reaction
- ATC
- D11AH06
No doses: the clinician sets them by the current guideline.
Mechanism of action
The figure shows human PDE4B with AN2898, a close benzoxaborole relative of crisaborole, holding the enzyme's metal centre through its boron atom; crisaborole itself is not in this crystal.
Crisaborole is a small, boron-containing benzoxaborole. Its boron mimics the phosphate of cAMP and competitively blocks phosphodiesterase 4 in skin immune cells. Higher cAMP lowers the release of inflammatory cytokines, so eczema redness and itch improve. Its low molecular weight helps it pass through the skin.
- Ointment penetrates the eczema skin
- Boron binds PDE4 and blocks cAMP breakdown
- cAMP rises in immune cells; fewer cytokines
- Redness and itch settle
Indications
- Mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in adults and children Atopic dermatitis →
Adverse effects
Common
- Burning or stinging where applied
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to crisaborole or the ointment
Key interactions
- Other prescription, nonprescription and skin products
- Reviewed before starting; no important interaction is described on the patient information.
What is monitored
- Eczema response
- Signs of allergic contact reaction
Administration and safety
- A thin layer is applied to the affected skin.
- Kept out of the eyes, mouth and vagina.
- Hands are washed afterwards unless they are being treated.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Human data are limited; pregnancy and breastfeeding are mentioned to the clinician.
Nursing care
- Explain that brief burning or stinging is the most common effect; severe or lasting burning is reported.
- Teach to report hives, swelling or spreading redness at once (possible allergy).
- Check that other eczema treatments in use are known to the team.
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption
- Applied to the skin; its small size helps penetration
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
Which enzyme does crisaborole inhibit?
Phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4), mainly PDE4B.
How does the boron atom help crisaborole?
It mimics the phosphate of cAMP at the enzyme's site and keeps the molecule small enough to penetrate skin.
What is the most common side effect of crisaborole?
Burning or stinging at the application site.
Connections
← Back to the class: Other dermatological medicines
Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.
Sources: Crisaborole Topical: MedlinePlus Drug Information (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2020); RCSB PDB - 3O0J: PDE4B In complex with ligand an2898 (RCSB Protein Data Bank, 2012); ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026).
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.