Azathioprine

(CC) Image: David E. Volk
Azathioprine.

Azathioprine, also called azathioprine, sodium azathioprin, azothioprine and azatioprin,

is an immunosuppressive agent used in combination with cyclophosphamide and hydroxychloroquine in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.  It is a known carcinogen and was initially used as a chemotherapy drug, although now it is rarely used for that purpose.  Currently it is used for  immunosuppression in organ transplantation and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or irritable bowel syndromeor Crohn's disease.  Azathioprine is a pro-drug that is converted to the active metabolite 6-mercaptopurine. Azathioprine acts to inhibit purine synthesis necessary for the proliferation of cells, especially leukocytes and lymphocytes. It is a safe and effective drug used alone in certain autoimmune diseases, or in combination with other immunosuppressants in organ transplantation. Bone marrow suppression is the most serious side effect of its use and it should not be used in conjunction with other purine analogues such as allopurinol.

brand names

• Azamun
• Azanin
• Azasan
• Ccucol
• Imuran
• Imurek
• Imurel
• Muran