Mercaptopurine immunosuppressing drugs Management of Crohn's disease
azathioprine, shown here in tablet form, first line steroid-sparing immunosuppressant azathioprine , 6-mercaptopurine (6-mp) commonly used immunosuppressants maintenance therapy of crohn s disease. purine anti-metabolites, meaning interfere synthesis of purines required inflammatory cells. have duration of action of months (slow-acting). both drugs dosed @ 1.5 2.5 mg/kg, literature supporting use of higher doses. a cochrane systematic review included 13 randomized controlled trials, concluded azathioprine , 6-mercaptopurine not effective inducing remission when person has crohn s disease. azathioprine , 6-mp may useful following indications: maintenance therapy azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine may lead people active crohn s take less steroid medication. may lower side effects related steroid treatments. fistulizing disease maintenance of remission after surgery crohn s disease a combination of azathioprine , infliximab treatment may more effective single dose of infliximab induce s...