[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Pharmacology](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/) › [Other dermatological medicines](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/other-dermatological-medicines/) › Crisaborole

# 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.

Updated Nov 1, 2026

## Quick facts

**Group**
[Other dermatological medicines](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/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.

On this page

- The basics Mechanism of action
- Indications
- Adverse effects
- Pharmacokinetics
- Memory aid

- Safety Contraindications
- Key interactions
- What is monitored
- Administration and safety
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Nursing care

- Study Test yourself

- Connections Connections

## Mechanism of action

✂**Phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4), mainly PDE4B**Crisaborole

ⓘ 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.

**Target in 3D:** Phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4), mainly PDE4B. PDB structure 3O0J (RCSB PDB, public domain). [View the structure at RCSB PDB](https://www.rcsb.org/structure/3O0J) · Drag to rotate · pinch to zoom

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 →](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/atopic-dermatitis/)

## Adverse effects

### Common

- Burning or stinging where applied

### Serious (rare, important)

- Allergic contact reactions: hives, itching, swelling or redness at or away from the site

## 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

## Memory aid

CrisaBORole: BORon Blocks PDE4 — Burning is the main side effect.

## 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.

[Add to my cards (3)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/pharmacology/crisaborole/)

[More Pharmacology questions →](https://durgical.com/en/practice/?f=pharmacology)

## Connections

## Related drugs 3

- [Pimecrolimus](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/pimecrolimus/)
- [Tacrolimus](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/tacrolimus/)
- [Abrocitinib](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/abrocitinib/)

## Related conditions 1

- [Atopic dermatitis](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/atopic-dermatitis/)

[← Back to the class: Other dermatological medicines](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/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](https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a617019.html) (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2020); [RCSB PDB - 3O0J: PDE4B In complex with ligand an2898](https://www.rcsb.org/structure/3O0J) (RCSB Protein Data Bank, 2012); [ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index](https://atcddd.fhi.no/atc_ddd_index/?code=D11AH06) (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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Source: https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/crisaborole/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/crisaborole/