ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/azathioprine
US brand names:Imuran
Azathioprine is dosed at 2 mg/kg PO q24h initially, then q48h in dogs, per Chauvet AE. Neuromuscular Disorders. Paper presented at: Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association; 2017; Madison, WI. — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.146 (2026-08-01).. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Prodrug converted to 6-mercaptopurine, which inhibits purine synthesis. Suppresses T-cell and B-cell proliferation.
TOXIC to cats (severe bone marrow suppression — use only if no alternatives, at very low dose every 48-72h). Monitor CBC regularly. Hepatotoxicity. Pancreatitis. Drug interaction with allopurinol (reduce dose 75%).
Species references:All Dog (Domestic) drugs
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A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 1 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | PO | 2 mg/kg | q24h initially, then q48h | Strong | Chauvet AE. Neuromuscular Disorders. Paper presented at: Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association; 2017; Madison, WI. — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.146 (2026-08-01). |
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