What does azathioprine do for a dog?

What does azathioprine do for a dog?

Azathioprine (brand names: Imuran®, Azasan®) is an immune suppressing drug used to treat various autoimmune diseases in dogs and occasionally ferrets.

Is azathioprine safe for dogs?

There are some potential side effects of azathioprine use in dogs. The drug is normally safe to use with veterinary supervision, but if you see concerning side effects of the medication in your dog, then contact your veterinarian, as they may wish to adjust the dosage or seek an alternative form of treatment.

How is azathioprine converted to mercaptopurine?

6-Mercaptopurine: A conversion factor of approximately 0.5 can be used when equating azathioprine doses to 6-mercaptopurine. (i.e. 0.75mg/kg to 1.5mg/kg daily or tolerated dose). Initial prescription ½ target dose, if TPMT level unknown. Azathioprine: 0.5 to 1 mg/kg daily.

What converts 6th azathioprine mercaptopurine?

The enzymatic conversion of azathioprine to 6-mercaptopurine was detected at pH 6.5 with rat liver supernatants, although the non-enzymatic reaction predominated at pH 7.0 and 7.5. Glutathione S-transferase may catalize this conversion.

How long does it take for azathioprine to work in dogs?

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.

Can you overdose on azathioprine?

If you take too much: You could have dangerous levels of the drug in your body. Symptoms of an overdose of this drug can include: nausea. vomiting.

Is azathioprine 6 a mercaptopurine?

Thiopurines (ie, azathioprine [AZA] and mercaptopurine, also known as 6-mercaptopurine, [6-MP]) exert a glucocorticoid-sparing effect for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who cannot maintain remission when glucocorticoids are tapered and withdrawn.

Is azathioprine converted to 6-mercaptopurine?

Azathioprine (AZA) is a purine synthesis inhibitor converted in the body to the active metabolites 6-mercaptopurine and 6-thioinosinic acid.

Should I give my dog prednisone in the morning or at night?

Give oral prednisone or prednisolone with food to reduce the chance of stomach irritation. When given once daily for dogs, it’s best given in the morning. When given once daily to cats, it’s best given in the evening, as this is closest to the animals’ natural hormone cycle.

What is the survival rate of IMHA in dogs?

IMHA carries a fair prognosis in most cases, with published survival rates ranging from 50% – 80%. While anemia itself does not usually prove fatal, the complications of IMHA can be. Thromboembolic disease is the most life-threatening complication of IMHA, with survival rates dropping significantly in these patients.

What is 6 mercaptopurine used for?

Mercaptopurine is used alone or with other chemotherapy drugs to treat acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL; also called acute lymphoblastic leukemia and acute lymphatic leukemia; a type of cancer that begins in the white blood cells). Mercaptopurine is in a class of medications called purine antagonists.

Is 50mg of azathioprine a lot?

The usual dose is 150-200 mg a day but the dose can vary depending on your weight and tolerance of the medication. Start with one 50 mg tablet daily usually in the morning with a meal. After one week, you should have your blood drawn.