Immunostimulant Drugs
Drugs that
stimulate the immune system. Used for the treatment of infectious diseases, tumours, immuno deficiencies
where the immune system needs a boost.
The booster/drug can be biological (microbial derived
products), chemically synthesized or cell-based. Here, some of the immuno
stimulants and their properties.
Bacillus Chalmette-Guerin (BCG) Vaccine
Live and attenuated culture of BCG strain of
Mycobacterium bovis.
MOA - It causes activation of
macrophages to make them more effective killer cells.
Uses - Prophylaxis for
Tuberculosis.
Adverse effects - Hypersentivity,
fever and malaise.
Levamisole
Synthesized originally as an anthelmintic. But it restored
depressed immune function of B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes, monocytes and
macrophages.
Uses - Colon cancer, Hodgkin's
disease
Adverse effects - Allergic, nausea
and muscle pain
Thalidomide
MOA - Enhances T-Cell production
of cytokines (IL -2, IFN -gamma)
Uses - Severe, Refractory
rheumatoid arthritis, Multiple myeloma
Adverse effects - Teratogenicity
Isoprinosine
Complex of the p-acetamidobenzole salt of
N,N-dimethylamino-2-propanol : inosine in a
3:1 molar ratio.
MOA - Augment production of
cytokines such as IL-1, IL-2 and IFN-gamma, increases proliferation of
lymphocytes, increase active T-Cell.
Uses - Herpes simplex infections,
Acute viral encephalitis, Measles viruses.
Adverse effects - Minor CNS
depressant, Transient nausea and Rise in uric acid in serum & urine.
