AZATHIOPRINE
Azathioprine
is a synthetic DMARD that acts through its major metabolite, 6-thioguanine.
6-Thioguanine suppresses inosinic acid synthesis, B-cell and T-cell function,
immunoglobulin produc-tion, and interleukin-2 secretion .
The
metabolism of azathioprine is bimodal in humans, with rapid metabolizers
clearing the drug four times faster than slow metabo-lizers. Production of
6-thioguanine is dependent on thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT), and patients
with low or absent TPMT activity (0.3% of the population) are at particularly
high risk of myelosuppression by excess concentrations of the parent drug, if
dosage is not adjusted.
Azathioprine is
approved for use in rheumatoid arthritis and is used at a dosage of 2 mg/kg/d.
Controlled trials show efficacy in psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis,
polymyositis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and Behçet’s disease.
Azathioprine’s
toxicity includes bone marrow suppression, GI disturbances, and some increase
in infection risk. As noted, lymphomas may be increased with azathioprine use.
Rarely, fever, rash, and hepatotoxicity signal acute allergic reactions.
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