Azathioprine
Azathioprine Information

About Azathioprine

Azathioprine is imidazolyl derivative of mercaptopurine. It functions as a structural analog or antimetabolite. As an immunosuppressant, Azathioprine is commonly used in transplant patients but also is useful in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, lupus nephritis, and psoriatic arthritis. Azathioprine is being investigated as an agent to prevent the development of diabetes mellitus. It was originally approved by the FDA in 1968. Adverse effects include bone marrow depression.

Indications

Azathioprine is primarily indicated in conditions like Autoimmune conditions, Derangement of immune system, Nausea and vomiting (prevention), Postmenopausal osteoporosis, Rejection of organ transplants, Suppression of transplant rejection, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis, Prevention of post-operative nausea and vomiting.

Contraindication

Azathioprine is contraindicated in conditions like Renal failure,Impaired hepatic function.

Side Effects

The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Azathioprine, which give rise to further complications include Liver damage, Pancreatitis.Azathioprine produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Hematological reactions, Carcinogenicity, Infection, GI reactions. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Azathioprine therapy.The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Azathioprine include Leucopenia, Bone marrow suppression.The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Azathioprine are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Alopecia, Myalgia, Skin RashX, Arthralgia.

Warnings

Azathioprine should be used with caution in patients with medical history especially, liver disease, kidney disease, blood disorders, any infection or any allergy. Azathioprine is not recommended during pregnancy or lactation. Hepatic function should be carefully assessed in patients receiving azathioprine especially in patients with pre-existing hepatic disease. Determination of serum alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin and aminotransferase concentration should be performed periodically.

High Risk Groups

Drug should not be given to Paediatrics, Pregnant Mothers, and Neonates.If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.