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Flashcards in azathioprine Deck (5)
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1
Q

What is azathioprine?

A

Immunosuppressive antimetabolite pro-drug.

Converted to 6-mercaptopurine in the body to block purine metabolism and DNA synthesis

2
Q

What is azathioprine indicated for?

A

RA
preventing renal transplant rejection
crohn’s disease
ulcerative colitis

3
Q

What is the role of azathioprine in IBD therapy?

A

-

4
Q

What are the relevant PK or PD parameters with azathioprine use?

A

well absorbed following oral administration
moderate (30%) binding to plasma proteins

activation occurs via hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase

5
Q

What is the mechanism of action of azathioprine?

A

antagonises purine metabolism
may inhibit synthesis of DNA, RNA and proteins
May also interfere with cellular metabolism and inhibit mitosis

terminates dna chain and causes cytotoxicity