About the book:

Azathioprine (AZA), a cycle-specific antimetabolite, is quickly converted to 6- mercaptopurine within the body. To enhance the treatment efficacy, the drug must be administered during the induction period of the antibody response. The precise mechanism of AZA in suppressing the immune response is unknown, but it acts by regulating cell-mediated hypersensitivities and antibody production. The drug also inhibits synthesis of DNA, RNA and proteins, and may interfere with meiosis and cellular metabolism. The mechanism for its effect on autoimmune diseases is unknown. The drug was synthesised in 1957 as an anti-malignancy drug and its potential use in rheumatoid arthritis has been identified later. In 1981, the US food and drug administration approved the drug for treating rheumatoid arthritis. Adverse events and the need for close monitoring are the major limitations of AZA. Availability of safer DMARDs has reduced the use of AZA. However, the drug is preferred in certain specific clinical scenarios. The drug has found place in treating many other autoimmune diseases. Moreover, the steroid sparing property of AZA has opened its use for managing various other conditions.

Edition

First edition

Pages

32

ISBN

978-81-932500-2-0

Year

2018

Author

Dr. Chandrashekara. S