Table 2.
Drugs | Mechanism of Action | Posology | Side Effects | References |
---|---|---|---|---|
Corticosteroids | ||||
Prednisone | Glucocorticoid receptor-mediated cell signaling Suppression of polymorphonuclear leukocyte migration |
Adults: 1 mg/kg Children: 1.0 to 1.5 mg/kg/day Reported total dose: 60 to 100 mg PO per day for one to two weeks, followed by a 5- to 6-week taper |
Insomnia, hyperglycemia, weight gain, cataracts | [118,125,126,127] |
Immunosuppressive agents | ||||
Methotrexate | Inhibits dihydrofolate reductase Suppression of B- and T-cells |
10 to 25 mg divided over 36 to 48 h every 1 to 4 weeks 15 to 25 mg per week for periods of 4 weeks to 36 months 12.50 mg per week with slow tapering |
Mouth sores, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite | [128,129,130,131] |
Cyclosporine-A | Suppresses lymphocyte-mediated responses Inhibits T cell activation Decreases production of IL-1 and IL-2 |
Starting dose of 4 mg/kg/day and tapering to 2 mg/kg/day, continued for 18 months | High blood pressure, peripheral neuropathy, gingivitis | [132,133,134] |