Azathioprine is a mercaptopurine derivative which has cytotoxic and immunosuppressive effects.
The main uses of azathioprine include:
Azathioprine is metabolised to mercaptopurine and then to thioinosinate which interferes with purine metabolism.
Mercaptopurine interacts with allopurinol. The dose of azathioprine should be reduced if allopurinol is prescribed simultaneously.
The most common side-effects of azathioprine are myelosuppression and hepatotoxicity.
The summary of product characteristics should be consulted before prescribing this drug.
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