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Azathioprine

Imuran

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Sourced from published veterinary references. Awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer — our editorial process.

Drug Class

Immunosuppressant

Routes

PO

Indications

IBDIMHAimmune-mediated skin diseases

Mechanism of Action

Prodrug converted to 6-mercaptopurine, which inhibits purine synthesis. Suppresses T-cell and B-cell proliferation.

Side effects & warnings

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 with Azathioprine dosing data (1 dose rule)

Dog (Domestic)

Species references:All Dog (Domestic) drugs

Evidence levels across 1 dose rule

Strong×1

Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.

Backed by a published source

  • · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

Sample dosing (1 of 1 cited rule)

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.

SpeciesRouteDoseFrequencyEvidenceSource
Dog (Domestic)PO2 mg/kgq24h initially, then q48hStrongPlumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

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