Commonly prescribed for: Immunosuppressants
Species: Dogs
Therapeutic Class: Purine-antagonist Anti-metabolite
Azathioprine is a purine-antagonist anti-metabolite that primarily is used as an immunosuppressant in dogs. It competes with purine in the synthesis of nucleic acids. It also inhibits the synthesis of T-lymphocyte-dependent antibodies and cyclo-oxygenase. Azathioprine is absorbed from the GI tract and metabolized to mercaptopurine. The incidence of bone-marrow suppression is thought to be related to levels of one of the important enzymes involved in the metabolism of azathioprine-thiopurine methyltransferase (TMPT). Cats have low TMPT activity and are prone to azathioprine toxicity. Humans with low TMPT-levels are more likely to experience bone marrow suppression. There is conflicting research regarding TMPT activity in dogs and the incidence of myelotoxicity. Metabolites of azathioprine and mercaptopurine are excreted by the kidneys.
Azathioprine is used in dogs to treat inflammatory bowel disease, immune mediated anemia, colitis and skin disease; and Myasthenia Gravis. Azathioprine frequently is used with corticosteroids (prednisolone), with the goal of reducing the dose of both drugs and moving towards alternate day therapy. Azathioprine has a delayed onset of action of about three weeks and clinical response may take as long as six weeks. Azathioprine should be given with food to minimize GI side effects.
Azathioprine occasionally is used in the horse to treat autoimmune skin disease.
Remember to tell your veterinarian about any medications, vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies that you are giving to your pet.
If overdose is recognized promptly, proceed with gut emptying protocols.
Wedgewood provides medication options that help ensure accurate dosing, especially for hard to medicate pets. Click below for a complete list of Wedgewood’s dosing forms and strengths.
DOSAGE FORM | BENEFITS | STRENGTHS |
---|---|---|
Capsule | Oral medication available in gelatin or veggie capsule options. | 1 mg/cap to 84 mg/cap |
Oral Oil Suspension | Oil based oral suspension with a wide variety of flavoring options. | 1 mg/ml to 100 mg/ml |
View all Azathioprine options