Azathioprine: a guide for the management of dermatology patients.
Azathioprine, a prodrug of 6-mercaptopurine, was developed over four decades ago. Since its development, azathioprine has been shown to have antileukemic, anti-inflammatory, and immunosuppressive properties. Hence, the reason azathioprine is used in multiple medical specialties. In the dermatology field, it is used as an immunosuppressant and corticosteroid-sparing agent for the treatment of several cutaneous diseases. In this article, the present authors review the following aspects relating to azathioprine: history, pharmacokinetics, significance of thiopurine methyltransferase, side effects, contraindications, therapeutic uses, and recommended evaluation and monitoring for patients initiating azathioprine.
Wise
Melissa
M
University of Louisville, School of Medicine, School of Public Health and Information Sciences, Louisville, Kentucky, USA.
Callen
Jeffrey P
JP
D000818:Animals; D001379:Azathioprine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008780:Methyltransferases / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*
D008780:Methyltransferases; C022745:thiopurine methyltransferase; D001379:Azathioprine