Azathioprine

Type of Medication: Immunosuppressant

Indications: Post transplant immunosuppression. Other indications outside the scope of monograph

Side Effects: Hypersensitivity, muscle pains, arthralgia, abnormal liver function, cholestatic jaundice, dizziness, vomiting, fever, arrythmias, hypotension, nephritis, bone marrow suppression, hair loss, pancreatitis, pneumonitis, renal dysfunction

Route of administration: Adult (Oral)

Dose: Post transplant immunosuppression initially 5mg/kg then 1 to 4 mg/kg daily according to response. Patient should be warned to report immediately any evidence of infection, unexplained fever or other manifestations of bone marrow suppression. Always discuss with transplant unit.

Administration: Follow advise from transplant unit. Intravenous route is possible but is very irritant and therefore should only be used if oral route is not feasible.

Examples of some Drug Interactions

Interacting drug: Allopurinol

increased toxicity and enhanced effect of Azathioprine

Interacting drug: Captopril

increased risk of leukopenia

Interacting drug: Rifampicin

transplant rejection?