Neurol. praxi. 2011;12(6):389-393

Immunosuppressive drugs in treating neurological diseases

MUDr.Jiří Piťha

Centrum Myasthenia gravis při Neurologické klinice 1. LF UK a VFN Praha

Immunosuppressive drugs have been used in the practice for more than fifty years. In treating neurological autoimmune diseases, their

role is irreplaceable. Azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil, mitoxantrone, cyclosporin A and tacrolimus

have been particularly used; clinical trials with cladribine and teriflunomide are under way. The paper deals with the mechanism

of action, adverse events and therapeutic regimens of individual agents; also covered are the indications of immunosuppressive drugs

in the most common autoimmune diseases. During treatment, it is always necessary to weigh the benefits against risks, monitor the

patient carefully and prevent adverse events.

polymyositis, myasthenia gravis.

Keywords: immunosuppressive drugs, multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica, inflammatory polyneuropathies, dermatomyositis,

Published: December 1, 2011  Show citation