Immunosuppressants Flashcards
How do steroids work?
Upregulate anti-inflam cytokines, downregulate inflam cytokines.
Rapid onset
How does methotrexate work?
Inhibits folic acid synthesis by preventing nucleotides from entering DNA synthesis.
How is methotrexate given?
With folic acid 4 days later, oral or SC. Takes a few weeks to kick in
How does azathioprine work?
Converted to nucleoside analogue, incorporates into DNA or RNA and terminates strands, inhibiting DNA synthesis.
Works best in lymphocytes
How is azathioprine given?
Orally daily. Need to check patients have TPMT enzyme so it doesn’t accumulate.
How does cyclosporin work?
Inhibits calcineurin which inhibits T cell activation by preventing signal transduction.
How does tacrolimus work?
Same as cyclosporin by more potent and better tolerated. Orally once daily
What is tacrolimus used for?
SOT
