Antirheumatic and immunosupressant

Question 1

RA initially managed by

Answer 1

NSAIDs
Decrease pain on swelling
No effect on disease course

Question 2

DMARDs

Answer 2

Aimed at slowing disease progression of RA

Take with NSAIDs at start due to taking weeks to months to have an effect

Question 3

Methotrexate

Answer 3

Used for moderate to severe RA
Cytotoxic effect on lymphocytes
Suppressive action on bone marrow

Question 4

Hydroxychloroquine

Answer 4

Used for more mild RA
Also used for malaria and lupus
Decreases rheumatoid factor

Question 5

Cyclosporine

Answer 5

Decrease activity and growth of T lymphocytes
Used as anti-rejection drug
Results in decreased expression of IL2 and gamma-IFN
SE: Dose limiting nephrotoxicity, neuropathy and gingival hyperplasia

Question 6

Tacrolimus

Answer 6

Similar to cyclosporine MOA but binds to FK binding proteins
Same nephrotoxicity