1. Ulcerative Colitis
2. Crohn’s Disease
3. Kidney Transplantation
4. Rheumatoid Arthritis
5. Multiple Sclerosis
6. Neuromyelitis Optica
How it works
Azathioprine is a medication used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) – such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. It is also used by people with rheumatoid arthritis as well as other inflammatory conditions or following an organ transplant.
Azathioprine is part of a group of medications known as thiopurines which are immunosuppressants. This means that azathioprine works to reduce the activity of your immune system. In IBD the immune system is attacking the digestive system which results in inflammation. Azathioprine reduces the number of white blood cells in the body – the immune system relies on these white blood cells and by reducing them it interrupts the immune system’s function.
By interrupting the immune process, Azathioprine reduces inflammation and slows joint damage caused by Rheumatoid Arthritis and slows down the progression of disease.
Azathioprine prevents the body from rejecting a transplanted organ. Azothioprine is typically used with other drugs after a organ transplant.
Azathioprine was effective at reducing annual relapse rates of Neuromyelitus Optica.
Indications
1. Ulcerative Colitis
2. Crohn’s Disease
3. Kidney Transplantation
4. Rheumatoid Arthritis
5. Multiple Sclerosis
6. Neuromyelitis Optica
Dosage
For the treatment of refractory Crohn’s disease & ulcerative colitis:
Adults A dose of 1.5 to 2 mg/kg/day PO
Children >= 3 years A dosage of 2 mg/kg/day PO has been used in a small number of children with refractory disease
For kidney transplant rejection prophylaxis.
Adults 3 to 5 mg/kg PO once daily beginning on the day of or 1 to 3 days prior to transplantation. Maintenance dosage is 1 to 3 mg/kg PO once daily.
Children and Adolescents 1 to 2 mg/kg/day PO
For the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis:
Adults: PO Initial dose is 1 mg/kg given as single dose or twice daily. Dose is increased by 0.5 mg/kg/day at 6 to 8 wk, then every 4 wk if there are no serious toxicities and if initial response is unsatisfactory. Max dose is 2.5 mg/kg/day.
For the treatment of Neuromyelitis Optica:
Adults 2 to 3mg/kg/day PO
For the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis:
Adults 2.5 mg/kg per day PO
Side Effects
upset stomach,
nausea,
vomiting,
diarrhea,
loss of appetite,
hair loss, or
skin rash.
Contraindication
Azathioprine should not be given to:
1. Women of child bearing potential
2. Pregnant women
3. Lactating mothers
4. Patients who have shown hypersensitivity to the drug