Inositol is a chemical compound, which is carbohydrate, but not a classical sugar. Inositol has sweetness, which is half the sweet taste of table sugar. Inositol plays an important role in the structural basis of secondary messengers of the cells. Inositol was considered a part of the vitamin B complex.

Inositol Side effects

Since inositol is found naturally just like aloe vera (which have limited Aloe vera juice side effects), it seldom causes inositol side effects. However, mild inositol side effects may occur especially in individuals that are sensitive to inositol. Mild inositol side effects include:

1. Headache and dizziness

Headache and dizziness are initial inositol side effects during the start of therapy as the body adjusts with increased inositol in the blood.

2. Nausea

Nausea is also a common inositol side-effect as a result of feeling of dizziness that may lead to feelings of being nauseated. This inositol side effect eventually fades as the person is used to inositol use.

3. Fatigue

Fatigue may also be a possible initial inositol side effect as one starts inositol therapy. Just like other mild inositol side-effects, fatigue may eventually disappear as the body is accustomed to it.

4. Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a possible side effect of taking too much inositol as the body tries to eliminate anything in excess through the GIT.

5. Flushing of the skin

Inositol has the tendency to cause vasodilatation. When the blood vessels dilate, it causes increased blood flow to the area leading to redness and warmth of the skin.

6. Appetite loss

There could also be possible loss of appetite as the GIT gets accustomed to inositol. This should not produce significant weight loss. After starting the therapy, appetite is usually regained.

Inositol may also cause potentially serious side effects that should be reported to your physician in order to prevent further problems. More serious inositol side effects include:

7. Worsening of bipolar disorder

One incidence of worsening of bipolar disorder was documented with the use of inositol combined with caffeine and taurine. Although the exact cause is unknown as to whether inositol caused it or the other ingredients, patients with bipolar disorder should be cautioned in the use of inositol and other beverages containing it.

8. Allergic reactions

Allergic reactions are other serious inositol side effects. The symptoms of allergic reactions are due to the release of histamine in the blood because of the presence of allergens in the body in the form of inositol. Allergic reactions of inositol will include:

• Itching
• Rash
• Hives
• Wheezing
• Angioedema or swelling of the throat and mouth
• Difficulty breathing

Those taking inositol should observe for possible inositol side effects in order for you to inform your physician as soon as possible. Despite these inositol side effects, inositol is still essential for the body in order to improve the cell membranes and benefit from its advantages.

Uses of Inositol

Inositol is used for the following indications:

• Diabetic nerve pain
• Panic disorder
• Depression
• High cholesterol
• Schizophrenia
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity disorder
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Autism
• Hair growth promotion
• Psoriasis
• Treatment of lithium side-effects
• High blood pressure
• High testosterone levels

The main mechanism of inositol is it balances the chemicals in the cells that may help treat the above conditions, especially those affecting the neurologic system. It focuses on the synthesis of phospholipids that are used in various cell processes.

Inositol is also responsible for the metabolism of cholesterol as well as preventing the accumulation of fats in the liver. When inositol is given together with lecithin, it prevents hardening of the arteries from cholesterol known as atherosclerosis. It also stimulates the normal production of cells in the bone marrow, eye and intestines. Because of the improvements in the cellular process, it also aids in maintaining normal hair growth as well as nerve conduction. It is also important in gene expression thereby a possible prevention of cancers.

Azathioprine is an immunosuppressant drug. It is used for immune system suppression to those experiencing over activity of the immune system or those who require inhibiting the immune system for some reason. Azathioprine is available in the brands Imuran and Azasan. It is also a precursor, which is converted to mercaptopurine, an active form of azathioprine.

Uses of Azathioprine

Azathioprine suppresses the proliferation of B lymphocytes and T lymphocytes in the blood. T and B lymphocytes are important components of the immune system that help the body fight infections. Because of its effects in suppressing the immune system, it is used for the following conditions:

Kidney transplantation – Kidney transplantation requires azathioprine to prevent the organ rejection brought by the immune system’s reaction to the foreign kidney.

Autoimmune diseases – Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis may also require immunosuppressant drugs like azathioprine to prevent the action of the immune system against its own body cells. The use in rheumatoid arthritis prevents further inflammation and joint damage.

Others – Other indications include Multiple sclerosis, Myasthenia gravis, Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative colitis, and Autoimmune hepatitis.

Azathioprine Side effects

There are lot of side effects of azathioprine including:

1. Reduces white blood cell count

The reduction in white blood cell count leads to possible infections. Presence of recurrent sore throat may be a sign of lowered levels of the white blood cells. Reduced white blood cell count may be reversed upon discontinuation or lowering the dose.

2. Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are other Azathioprine side effects. These azathioprine side effects result from the affectation of the gastrointestinal system. Nausea and vomiting usually occur during the first months of azathioprine therapy. Nausea and vomiting may also be associated with hypersensitivity pancreatitis.

3. Loss of appetite

It may also lead to loss of appetite because of the potential gastrointestinal symptoms brought by azathioprine.

4. Liver toxicity

Azathioprine is a potential hepatotoxic drug, which may lead to increased liver enzymes as a sign of liver damage. Liver toxicity usually results in azathioprine side effects such as jaundice, abdominal pain, liver enlargement and cirrhosis.

5. Hypersensitivity reactions

Hypersensitivity reactions are also possible azathioprine side effects. These may result from the decreased immune system; thereby there are excessive reactions to other substances. Hypersensitivity reactions may include erythema, itching, skin rash and more severe forms such as erythema nodosum.

6. Fatigue

Fatigue may also be experienced as a result of blood dyscrasia such as anemia. Anemia may be reversed by discontinuing or reducing the dosage of the drug.

7. Hair loss

Hair loss is also an azathioprine side effect because of induced damage to the hair follicles.

8. Arrhythmias

Arrhythmias are cardiovascular side effects of azathioprine that have been observed in patients taking the drug. Hypotension may also be apparent. Arrhythmias and hypotension are possible effects of hypersensitivity reactions.

9. Diarrhea

Due to the decreased immune system, opportunistic infections may also proliferate in the gut leading to diarrhea as azathioprine side effect. This can be avoided by avoiding potential sources of infection.

10. Joint pains

The joints may also be affected leading to arthralgias as azathioprine side-effects.

11. Interstitial pneumonitis

This respiratory azathioprine side effect is traced to the effects of the restrictive pulmonary disorders as a result of intake of immunosuppressant drugs.

12. Renal problems

Renal problems such as renal failure, acute nephritis and glomerulonephritis may be experienced by patients taking azathioprine. Problems in the kidneys may manifest as increased creatinine and BUN, with oliguria or anuria or the absence of urination.

The presence of azathioprine side effects may never outweigh the potential benefits for people undergoing kidney transplant and those who have autoimmune disorders, thereby the use of azathioprine is still considered.