Immunosuppressants Flashcards
List 5 drug classes of immunosuppressants
calcineurin inhibitors
mTOR inhibitors
cytotoxic drugs
glucocorticoids
antibodies
two risks of immunosuppression (regardless of drug choice)
infection
neoplasms
Why is immunosuppression prescribed?
prevent organ transplant rejection
treat autoimmune dz
What do calcineurin inhibitors do?
decrease T & B cell proliferation
List a couple calcineurin inhibitors
cyclosporine
tacrolimus
adverse effects of calcineurin inhibitors
renal failure
infection
liver failure
other: lymphoma, anaphylaxis, HTN, tremor, gynecomastia, hyperK+, hyperglycemia
What do mTOR inhibitors do?
decrease T & B cell proliferation
adverse effects of mTOR inhibitors
infection
HLD
myelosuppression
renal failure
What do cytotoxic drugs do?
kill B & T cells
actually kill all rapidly proliferating cells (think hair, GI mucosa, bone marrow, reproduction)
Adverse effects of cytotoxic drugs
bone marrow suppression
GI disturbances
reduced fertility
alopecia
List some cytotoxic drugs
azathioprine
methotrexate
mycophenolate mofetil
Which cytotoxic drug is more selective to B & T cells?
mycophenolate mofetil
How do exogenous antibodies work in immunosuppression
inhibit specific components of the immune system = suppressed immune responses
adverse effects of exogenous antibodies used in immunosuppression
infection
hypersensitivity
