6527
3.1

26-08-2024 Team Medicover general-medicine

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr NVS Vinay

Azathioprine 50mg Tablet: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Precautions

Azathioprine 50mg Tablet is a prescription medication that plays a crucial role in treating autoimmune disorders and preventing organ rejection after transplantation. It belongs to a class of drugs known as immunosuppressants, which work by lowering the activity of the immune system. By doing so, it helps reduce inflammation, ease symptoms and protect transplanted organs from being attacked by the body's own immune defences.

What is Azathioprine 50mg Tablet?

Azathioprine is a purine analogue that interferes with the synthesis of DNA in immune cells. This leads to a decrease in the number of white blood cells that cause inflammation or attack transplanted organs. It is primarily used to control immune overactivity in conditions where the body mistakenly targets its own tissues.

What does Azathioprine do?

Azathioprine works by suppressing the immune system, which can be both a therapeutic benefit and a reason for caution. While it helps in autoimmune diseases and post-transplant care, the reduced immunity also increases the risk of infections, requiring close monitoring.

Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.

Get Second Opinion

Uses of Azathioprine 50mg Tablet

Azathioprine 50mg is an immunosuppressive medication used to lower the bodyâ€™s immune response. It is commonly prescribed for:

Autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and Crohnâ€™s disease
Organ transplant patients to prevent rejection
Skin disorders such as pemphigus and certain types of dermatitis
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) including ulcerative colitis

It helps reduce inflammation and immune system overactivity, improving symptoms and preventing flare-ups.

Azathioprine for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Azathioprine helps reduce joint pain, stiffness and swelling by slowing down the immune attack on joint tissues.

Azathioprine for Lupus

Used when other medications fail to control inflammation affecting the skin, joints, kidneys, and other organs.

Azathioprine for Ulcerative Colitis

Helps maintain remission in patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis by reducing intestinal inflammation.

Azathioprine for Kidney Transplant

Prevents rejection of the transplanted kidney by suppressing immune responses, often used in combination with other immunosuppressants.

Azathioprine for Liver Transplant

Similarly, helps prevent the immune system from rejecting a liver transplant.

Azathioprine in Crohnâ€™s Disease

A long-term treatment option that reduces the frequency of flares and maintains intestinal healing.

Azathioprine for Autoimmune Hepatitis

Controls liver inflammation caused by the immune system attacking liver cells.

Other Uses

It is occasionally used in myasthenia gravis, psoriasis, vasculitis and other autoimmune or inflammatory conditions under specialist supervision.

Dosage of Azathioprine 50mg Tablet

The dosage of Azathioprine varies based on the condition, body weight and response to treatment. General guidelines include:

Adults: Usually start with a low dose of about 1â€“3 mg/kg/day and adjust as per response
Children: Dosage is based on body surface area and must be closely monitored by a specialist
Organ transplant patients may require higher initial doses

Typical Dosage by Condition:

Autoimmune diseases: 1â€“3 mg/kg/day, adjusted based on response.
Organ transplants: Higher initial doses, up to 5 mg/kg/day, then maintenance doses are reduced over time.

Dosing Schedule and Food Interactions

Azathioprine can be taken once or twice daily, usually with food to minimize nausea. Taking it at the same time each day improves effectiveness and consistency.

Monitoring Requirements

Patients need regular blood tests to monitor:

White blood cell counts
Liver function
Kidney function

These tests help in adjusting the dose and spotting complications early.

How to Take Azathioprine 50mg Tablet

Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water, do not crush or chew.
It is generally recommended to take it with food to reduce gastrointestinal side effects.
Take Azathioprine exactly as prescribed, usually once or twice a day.
Take at the same time daily to maintain consistent drug levels in your body.

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember unless itâ€™s almost time for the next one.

Side Effects of Azathioprine 50mg Tablet

Common Side Effects of Azathioprine 50mg Tablet

Nausea and vomiting
Fatigue or weakness
Increased risk of infections (due to lowered immunity)
Hair thinning
Mouth ulcers

Long-Term Side Effects of Azathioprine 50mg Tablet

Liver toxicity or elevated liver enzymes
Suppression of bone marrow leading to anaemia or low white blood cells
Increased cancer risk (especially skin cancers and lymphomas) with prolonged use
Pancreatitis (in rare cases)

When to Contact Your Doctor?

Consult your doctor if you experience the following:

Persistent sore throat or fever
Yellowing of eyes or skin
Unusual bleeding or bruising
Severe nausea or abdominal pain

Drug Interactions and Warnings for Azathioprine 50mg Tablet

Medications to Avoid

Allopurinol or febuxostat (used for gout): Can dangerously increase azathioprine toxicity.
ACE inhibitors: May enhance bone marrow suppression.
Warfarin: Azathioprine can reduce its blood-thinning effect.

Special Precautions

Pregnancy and Lactation: Azathioprine may cause birth defects. Only used in pregnancy when benefits outweigh risks and under close medical supervision.
Liver disease: Extra caution and close monitoring required.
Vaccination: Avoid live vaccines during treatment.

Alcohol and Azathioprine

Alcohol intake should be limited to prevent additional liver strain. Always discuss alcohol consumption with your doctor while on azathioprine.

Your health is everything - prioritize your well-being today.

Schedule Your Appointment

Conclusion

Azathioprine 50mg Tablet is a powerful immunosuppressant used to manage autoimmune diseases and prevent transplant rejection. When taken as prescribed, azathioprine can help manage these conditions over the long term and improve the chances of the transplant being successful.

However, because this medication can have side effects and may interact with other medicines, itâ€™s important to have regular check-ups with your doctor. They will monitor your health regularly and adjust your dosage as needed. Be sure to follow your doctorâ€™s instructions closely regarding how to take the medication and any necessary tests while on azathioprine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Azathioprine can be taken at any time of the day, but some doctors recommend taking it at night to minimize gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and to make it easier for patients to remember to take it regularly.

Azathioprine is generally effective in managing autoimmune diseases and preventing organ rejection. The success rate can vary depending on the condition being treated and the patient's response to the medication. It is often used as part of a long-term treatment plan.

No, azathioprine is not a steroid. It is an immunosuppressive medication that works by inhibiting the proliferation of immune cells. It is often used in conjunction with steroids and other medications to manage autoimmune conditions and prevent organ rejection.

It usually takes 6 to 12 weeks to start working, sometimes longer, depending on the condition being treated.

No, donâ€™t stop it suddenly without medical advice, it can cause your condition to flare or worsen.

It can be safe under close medical supervision, but it does have risks like lowered immunity, liver effects and rare serious side effects. Regular blood tests are essential.