Prograf
Prograf (tacrolimus) is a calcineurin-inhibitor immunosuppressant. It suppresses the body's immune response to prevent the rejection of newly transplanted organs, such as kidneys, livers, or hearts. Because of its narrow therapeutic window, precise dosing and regular blood concentration monitoring are critical.
Dosage by Body Weight
Dosage must be highly individualized and managed by a transplant specialist. Doses are typically administered twice daily (every 12 hours) on an empty stomach or consistently with food. Dose adjustments are strictly based on clinical assessment and whole blood trough concentrations.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- 0.1 to 0.3 mg/kg/day starting dose
- Frequency
- Divided into two doses (every 12 hours)
- Tracking Notes
- Requires highly specialized pediatric transplant team supervision. Dosed using oral suspension or granules; adjusted frequently based on blood trough levels.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 0.15 to 0.3 mg/kg/day (approx. 0.4 to 1.0 mg per dose)
- Frequency
- Divided into two doses (every 12 hours)
- Tracking Notes
- Pediatric patients often require higher weight-based doses than adults to achieve target blood concentrations.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 0.15 to 0.3 mg/kg/day (approx. 0.6 to 1.5 mg per dose)
- Frequency
- Divided into two doses (every 12 hours)
- Tracking Notes
- Doses are rounded to the nearest available strength (e.g., using 0.5 mg capsules or suspension) and titrated according to therapeutic drug monitoring.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 0.15 to 0.3 mg/kg/day (approx. 0.8 to 2.25 mg per dose)
- Frequency
- Divided into two doses (every 12 hours)
- Tracking Notes
- Monitor kidney function, potassium levels, and blood pressure regularly alongside drug level tests.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 0.15 to 0.3 mg/kg/day (approx. 1.2 to 3.0 mg per dose)
- Frequency
- Divided into two doses (every 12 hours)
- Tracking Notes
- Maintain consistent food intake habits relative to dosing, as food significantly decreases bioavailability.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | 0.1 to 0.3 mg/kg/day starting dose | Divided into two doses (every 12 hours) | Requires highly specialized pediatric transplant team supervision. Dosed using oral suspension or granules; adjusted frequently based on blood trough levels. |
| 5-7 kg | 0.15 to 0.3 mg/kg/day (approx. 0.4 to 1.0 mg per dose) | Divided into two doses (every 12 hours) | Pediatric patients often require higher weight-based doses than adults to achieve target blood concentrations. |
| 8-10 kg | 0.15 to 0.3 mg/kg/day (approx. 0.6 to 1.5 mg per dose) | Divided into two doses (every 12 hours) | Doses are rounded to the nearest available strength (e.g., using 0.5 mg capsules or suspension) and titrated according to therapeutic drug monitoring. |
| 11-15 kg | 0.15 to 0.3 mg/kg/day (approx. 0.8 to 2.25 mg per dose) | Divided into two doses (every 12 hours) | Monitor kidney function, potassium levels, and blood pressure regularly alongside drug level tests. |
| 16-20 kg | 0.15 to 0.3 mg/kg/day (approx. 1.2 to 3.0 mg per dose) | Divided into two doses (every 12 hours) | Maintain consistent food intake habits relative to dosing, as food significantly decreases bioavailability. |
Formulation
Purpose
Prophylaxis of organ rejection in patients receiving allogeneic kidney, liver, or heart transplants, used in combination with other immunosuppressants.
Generic Name
TacrolimusScheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.