Imuran 25mg Tablet

Uses of

• Treatment of organ transplants and a few autoimmune diseases. 

How does

Imuran inhibits DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis, suppressing the body's immune response. It also blocks certain chemical messengers responsible for inflammation in joint diseases.

Side Effects of

• Common side effects include depression of bone marrow function, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia, and nausea.
• Serious adverse effects include infections, neoplasms, and hypersensitivity reactions.

Quick Suggestions:

• Imuran belongs to a group of medicines called immunosuppressants.
• It prevents rejection of transplanted organs by weakening the immune system.
• Take it regularly with food as prescribed by your doctor. Take Imuran as advised by your doctor, usually with food. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets.
• Imuran may interact with other drugs, increasing the risk of hematotoxicity or infections. Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.

Indications:

Azathioprine) is an immunosuppressant medication used either alone or in combination with other agents, such as corticosteroids, to influence the immune response. 

• Organ Transplant: Imuran Tablet is used to enhance the survival of organ transplants, such as renal, cardiac, and hepatic transplants. It can also reduce the corticosteroid requirements of renal transplant recipients.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Imuran Tablet is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe IBD (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis) in patients who require corticosteroid therapy, cannot tolerate it, or have refractory disease.
• Other Conditions: Imuran Tablet has been used with clinical benefit in conditions like severe active rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis, polymyositis, autoimmune chronic active hepatitis, pemphigus vulgaris, polyarteritis nodosa, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, and chronic refractory idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.

Pharmacology

• Imuran Tablet is an immunosuppressive antimetabolite that inhibits DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis.
• It is rapidly broken down in vivo into 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) and amethylnitroimidazole.
• 6-MP is converted intracellularly into active purine thioanalogues.
• The therapeutic effect may take weeks or months to manifest.

Dosage & Administration:

• For transplants: Initial dosage up to 5mg/kg body weight/day, then maintenance dosage ranging from 1 to 4mg/kg body weight/day.
• For other indications: Starting dosage of 1 to 3mg/kg body weight/day, adjusted based on clinical response and tolerance.

Administration:

• Oral use, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after milk or dairy products.
• Standardize the method of administration; avoid milk or dairy products.

Interaction

• Concomitant use with allopurinol, oxipurinol, or thiopurinol requires reducing Imuran Tablet dosage.
• Neuromuscular blocking agents may interact with Imuran Tablet.
• Interactions with anticoagulants, cytostatic/myelosuppressive agents, methotrexate, vaccines, ribavirin, and aminosalicylate derivatives should be considered.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine.
• Hypersensitivity to any excipients of the preparation.

Pregnancy & Lactation

• Imuran Tablet is classified as Pregnancy Category D.
• It should not be given to pregnant patients without careful assessment of risk versus benefits.
• Effective contraceptive measures should be used during treatment and for a period after completion of treatment.
• Breastfeeding is not recommended due to the presence of 6-mercaptopurine in breast milk.

Precautions & Warnings

Imuran increases the risk of serious infections and neoplasia. Monitor blood cell counts regularly. Use caution in patients with liver or kidney impairment. Avoid Imuran in patients with thiopurine methyltransferase deficiency.

Storage Conditions

Store below 25°C. Protect from light. Discard off the expired and unused medicine appropriately.