Final answer:
Pimecrolimus acts as an immunomodulator to treat atopic dermatitis by inhibiting T-cell activation and the release of inflammatory cytokines, relieving symptoms like itching and inflammation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The mechanism of action of pimecrolimus in the treatment of atopic dermatitis is as an immunomodulator. Pimecrolimus works by inhibiting the activation of T-cells and the release of inflammatory cytokines and mediators. This reduction in immune system activity helps to relieve the symptoms of atopic dermatitis, such as itching and inflammation. It is not an antimimotic, mast cell activator, or an exfoliant. Unlike antihistamines, which prevent histamines that have been released by mast cells from stimulating the itching and swelling, or prevent mast cells from becoming associated with IgE molecules, pimecrolimus modulates the immune response at a cellular level.