azathioprine + corticosteroids

Azathioprine is an immunosuppressive small molecule that acts as a prodrug for 6-mercaptopurine, which inhibits DNA synthesis and suppresses T-lymphocyte activity. Corticosteroids are a class of steroid hormones that bind to the glucocorticoid receptor to exert potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. This combination regimen is specifically studied by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) for the treatment of parthenium dermatitis, a severe form of airborne contact dermatitis caused by the weed *Parthenium hysterophorus*. The protocol evaluates the efficacy of azathioprine (administered either as a daily dose or a weekly pulse) in conjunction with topical corticosteroids to induce and maintain disease remission while minimizing the side effects associated with long-term systemic steroid use.

Other names

azathioprine and corticosteroids for Parthenium dermatitis