Pharmacologic Substance
azathioprine
[ az-uh-thahy-uh-preen ]
Brand Names:
Azasan; Imuran
Effect:
Cellular Growth Phase Reduction; Decreased DNA Replication; Decreased Mitosis; Immunologic Activity Alteration
May Prevent:
Graft vs Host Disease
May Treat:
Arthritis, Rheumatoid;
Colitis, Ulcerative;
Crohn Disease;
Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic;
Multiple Sclerosis;
Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic
More Information:
Definitions related to azathioprine:
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A purine analogue with cytotoxic and immunosuppressive activity. Azathioprine is a prodrug that is converted by hepatic xanthine oxidase to its active metabolite 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP). 6-MP is further metabolized by hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGPRT) into 6-thioguanosine-5'-phosphate (6-thio-GMP) and 6-thioinosine monophosphate (6-thio-IMP), both inhibit nucleotide conversions and de novo purine synthesis. This leads to inhibition of DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis. As a result, cell proliferation may be inhibited, particularly in lymphocytes and leukocytes.NCI ThesaurusU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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An immunosuppressive agent used in combination with cyclophosphamide and hydroxychloroquine in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. According to the Fourth Annual Report on Carcinogens (NTP 85-002, 1985), this substance has been listed as a known carcinogen. (Merck Index, 11th ed)NLM Medical Subject HeadingsU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
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Immunosuppressive agent used in combination with cyclophosphamide and hydroxychloroquine in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis; possible carcinogen.CRISP ThesaurusNational Institutes of Health, 2006
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Azathioprine, immunosuppressive drug that is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and to suppress the body's rejection of transplanted organs. By inhibiting several enzymatic pathways required for the synthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), azathioprine decreases the number of lymphocytes (a type...Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2020
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