Immunosuppressants Flashcards
1
Q
Example
A
Methotrexate
azithoprine
2
Q
Mechanism of action
A
- Disrupts DNA synthesis
- Azathioprine- blocks purine synthesis mainly in lymphocytes
- Methotrexate- stops the action of the enzyme dihydrofolate needed for production of DNA
3
Q
Indications
A
- post transplant immunosuppression
- inflammatory bowel disease
- renal vasculitis
- paediatric leukaemia (methotrexate)
4
Q
Side effects
A
- bone marrow suprpesion (leucopenia)
- infection
- nephrotoxocity
- hepatotoxicity
- seizures
- GI upset
- alopecia
5
Q
Important pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics
A
- Do not cross the blood brain barrier
- undergo hepatic metabolism
- oral absoprtion is dose dependent
- patients with low levels of thiopurine methyltransferase activity are more prone to azathiprine and mercaptopurine related marrow suppresion
6
Q
Rituximab mechanism of acton
A
Induces apoptosis of Cd20 cells
7
Q
Side effects of rituximab
A
- infusion reaction
- possible viral reactivation
- progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy
