Pharm DMARDs Flashcards
MTX MOA
In RA: inhibits AICAR transformylase, leads to buildup of adenosine, which is anti-inflammatory (inhibits IL1, TNF, IFN, increases IL4, inhibits release of histamine from basophils and chemotaxis of PMNs)
MTX AEs
Blood: myelosuppression, increased risk of infection/bleed.
Cancer: malignant lymphoma.
Derm: severe/fatal derm rxns
GI: GI tox in patients with PUD/ulcerative colitis (esp with concurrent NSAIDs)
MTX contraindications/cautions
CIs: pregnancy (cat X), breastfeeding, pre-existing BM suppression/HIV, vaccination.
Caution: renal failure. adjust dose as needed
MTX elimination route
Renal (tubular secretion). In renal failure, hydration & alkalinization to help with clearance and renal protection. Competetion for secretion from weak acids, probenicid.
MTX monitoring
CBC/diff, LFTs, BUN/Cr, serum uric acid
Sulfasalazine MOA
Metabolized to sulfapyridine & mesalamine. Mesalamine (aka 5-aminosalicylic acid) inhibits PG and LT synthesis (anti-inflammatory effect)
Sulfasalazine AEs
Blood dyscrasias (potentially fatal)
Sulfasalazine elim.
Different for different metabolites
Sulfapyridine: acetylation (genetics plays a role) and hepatic elim.
Mesalamine: renal elim
Sulfasalazine CIs/cautions
CI: allergy (sulfa drugs, aspirin, 5-aminosalicylate)
Caution: renal failure (adjust dose)
Sulfasalazine indications
Patients who have failed therapy with salicylates or other NSAIDs
Sulfasalazine monitoring
CBC with diff, LFTs, BUN/Cr, urinalysis
Leflunomide MOA
Metab. to A77 1726, which then inhibits dihydroorotate dehydrogenase. DHODH is a mitochondrial enzyme involved in de novo pyrimidine synthesis. Causes cell cycle arrest of B and T cells (cytostatic, NOT cytotoxic). Decreases Ig production.
Leflunomide AEs
hepatic tox. with chronic use
Leflunomide CIs/cautions
CI: preexisting immunosuppression, uncontrolled infection, bone marrow dysplasia
Caution: alchoholics/heavy EtOH use (can lead to hepatic toxicity)
Leflunomide elim.
A77 1726: elim. in feces, causes a uricosuric effect.
Also elim. via glucuronide conjugates and other metabolites.