Interferons immunomodulating actions

Peg Interferon Alfa 2b (PEG-Intron) [Antiviral/ Immunomodulator] WARNING Can cause or aggravate fatal or life-threatening neuropsychiatric, autoimmune, ischemic, and infectious disord s. Monitor pts closely Uses Rx Hep C Action Immune modulation Dose 1 mcg/kg/wk SQ 1.5 mcg/kg/wk combined w/ ribavirin Caution [C, X if used w/ ribavirin /-] w/ Hx psychiatric Contra Autoimmune H, decompensated Uvct Dz, hemoglobinopathy Disp Vials 50, 80, 120, 150 mcg/0.5 mL Redipen 50, 80,120,150 mcg/5 mL reconstitute w/ 0.7 mL w/ sterile water SE D ession, insomnia, suicidal behavior, GI upset, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, alopecia, pruritus Interactions t Myelosuppression W/ antineoplastics t effects OF doxorubicin, theophylline t neurotox W7 vinblastine EMS See Peg Interf on Alfa-2a may cause flu-like Sxs... 

Imiquimod (Aldara) is an immunomodulator approved for the treatment of external genital and perianal warts in adults, actinic keratoses on the face and scalp, and biopsy-proven primary basal cell carcinomas on the trunk, neck, and extremities. The mechanism of its action is thought to be related to imiquimod s ability to stimulate peripheral mononuclear cells to release interferon- and to stimulate macrophages to produce interleukins-1, -6, and -8, and tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-k). 

Tomkins WA (1999) Immunomodulation and therapeutic effects of the oral use of interferon-alpha mechanism of action. J Interferon Cytokine Res 19 817-828. 

Interferons (IFNs) are extremely potent cytokines that pos-se.ss antiviral, immunomodulating. and antiproliferative actions.- IFNs are synthesized by infected cells in response to various inducers (Fig. I l-l) and. in turn, elicit either an antiviral stale in neighboring cells or a natural killer cell response that destroys the initially infected cell (Fig. 11-2). There are three classes of human IFNs that possess signifi-ctinl aniiviral activity. Tlicsc are IFN-a (mote than 20 subtypes). IFN-/J(2 subtypes), and IFN-y. IFN- is used clini-eally in a rcconibinani fonn (called interferon alfa). IFN-fi (Betaseron) is a recombinant form marketed for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. 

Actions Antioxidant, anti diuretic, smooth muscle relaxant, antispasmodic, immunostimulant (stimulates interferon production, enhances antibody formation, stimulates phagocytosis, antistressor, adrenal tonic, thymus stimulant), antiulcer, anti-inflammatory, tumor inhibitor, free radical inhibitor, antihepatoxic, antimalarial, protects from effects of radiation exposure, gentle laxative, expectorant, demulcent, immunomodulator, antihyperglycemic, reduces gastric secretions, stimulates pancreatic secretions. 

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