Indications: induction and maintenance of remission in ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Cautions: Use with caution in patients with liver disease, renal impairment, monitor hematological functions regularly, reduce dose in elderly.

Contra-indications: pregnancy, breast feeding.

Side effect: Rash, nausea; vomiting, diarrhoea, anorexia, aphthous stomatitis, pancreatitis, leukopenia; thrombocytopenia; macrocytic anemia; bleeding, selective erythrocyte aplasia, fever, chills, alopecia, retinopathy, hepatotoxicity, jaundice, hepatic veno- occlusive disease.

Drug Interactions: Allopurinol decreases metabolism of azathioprine.

Dose: 1 -3 mg/kg daily given as single dose or twice daily.