Azathioprine
About Azathioprine
Azathioprine acts as an immuno-suppressant drug, which is used to treat ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and in kidney transplants to prevent the rejection of a new kidney. Azathioprine is also an anti-metabolite. It works by lowering the body's immune system against the transplanted kidney. Close monitoring of blood cell count is necessary while taking this medication so It should be used under the supervision of a qualified physician. It can be administered by mouth or injected into a vein.
Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to any ingredient in Azathioprine; if you are pregnant, if you have used alkylating agents in the past, or you are currently taking febuxostat or mercaptopurine. Inform your doctor if you have the following medical conditions to make sure this medicine will be safe for you :
- kidney or liver disorders
- bowel problems
- a history of frequent, recurrent, or prolonged infection
- scheduled to receive a vaccination or immunisation shortly.
- a history of cancer, anaemia, bone marrow problems, unusual bruising or bleeding, or low white blood cell or platelet levels.
- any enzyme deficiencies or recent blood transfusions.
Take this medication with food to reduce stomach upset. Dosage is as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice daily. The dosage is based on your weight, medical condition and response to treatment. If you increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed then you may increase the risk of it's side-effects.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
What are the uses of Azathioprine
Kidney Transplantation
Azathioprine is used in kidney transplant patients to prevent transplant rejection.
Azathioprine is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis which is an inflammatory disease characerized by swelling, pain, and stiffness of joints.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
What are the contraindications of Azathioprine ?
Not recommended in patients with known allergy to Azathioprine.
Alkylating agents
Not recommended in patients with rheumatoid arthritis previously treated with cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
What are the side effects of Azathioprine ?
Fever With Chills
Loss Of Appetite
Muscle And Joint Pain
Nausea Or Vomiting
Hair Loss Or Thinning Of The Hair
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
Key highlights of Azathioprine
How long is the duration of effect?
The duration of action of this medicine is not clinically established.
What is the onset of action?
The effect of this medicine can be observed in 1 to 2 hours.
Are there any pregnancy warnings?
This medicine is not recommended for pregnant women.
Is it habit forming?
No habit forming tendencies were reported.
Are there any breast-feeding warnings?
This medicine is not recommended in breastfeeding women.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
What are the dosage instructions?
Missed Dose instructions
If you miss a dose of Azathioprine, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed dose.
Are there any overdose instructions?
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
Where is the Azathioprine approved?
India
United States
Japan
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
Medicines containing Azathioprine
Below is the list of medicines, which contains Azathioprine as ingredient
- Azoran 25 MG Tablet
Rpg Life Sciences Ltd
- Azaprin 50 MG Tablet
Galcare Pharmaceuticals P. Ltd
- Thiopress 50 MG Tablet
United Biotech (P) Ltd
- Azoran 50 MG Tablet
Rpg Life Sciences Ltd
- Zymurine 50 MG Tablet
Zydus Cadila
- Azr 50Mg Tablet
Ipca Laboratories Ltd
- Azithioprine 50 MG Tablet
Alkem Laboratories Ltd
- Azofit 50 MG Tablet
Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd
- Transimune 50 MG Tablet
Troikaa Pharmaceuticals Ltd
- Azapure 50Mg Tablet
Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
How does this medication work?
This medication belongs to the class of an immunosuppressant drug. It works by lowering the production and expansion of T and B lymphocytes in the white blood cells which defends your body against foreign particles and infections.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
What are the interactions of Azathioprine ?
Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.
- test
Interaction with Alcohol
Alcohol
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.Interaction with Lab Test
Lab
Information not available.Interaction with Medicine
Warfarin
This medicine may decrease the effect of warfarin. Inform the doctor if you are receiving either of the medications.Seek immediate medical treatment if you have any symptoms of breathing problem, blurred vision, blood clots and swelling of limbs.Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors
These medications may lower the WBC count and may increase the risk of infections. Usage of antihypertensive medications like enalapril, ramipril, captopril should be reported to the doctor. Seek immediate medical treatment if you have any symptoms of infection like fever, chills, diarrhea, sore throat.Live attenuated vaccines and related products
You may be at the risk of developing infections if these medicines are taken together. Inform the doctor if you had received either of these medicines. Your doctor may postpone therapy based on the condition.Interaction with Disease
Disease
Information not available.Interaction with Food
Food
Information not available.
References
Azathioprine-Drug Information Portal [Internet].druginfo.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 2 June 2022].Available from:
https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/azathioprine
Azathioprine-DrugBank Online [Internet].go.drugbank.com 2022 [Cited 2 June 2022].Available from:
https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00993v
AZATHIOPRINE Tablet,solution-DailyMed [Internet].dailymed.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 2 June 2022].Available from:
https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?labeltype=all&query=AZATHIOPRINE
Lybrate is a medium to provide our audience with the common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. Even if there is no mention of a warning for any drug or combination, it never means that we are claiming that the drug or combination is safe for consumption without any proper consultation with an expert.
Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
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