Leflunomide

Leflunomide is a medication that is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and works by inhibiting dihydroorotate dehydrogenase.  Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase is an enzyme that is used in synthesis of pyrimidines for use in DNA.  Inhibition of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase results in reduced production of autoimmune lymphocytes, which play an important role in development of rheumatoid arthritis.  

Class Drugs

• Leflunomide

Class Mechanism of Action

Inhibits dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (which is used in pyrimidine synthesis for production of DNA), which arrests development of autoimmune lymphocytes

Class Applications

Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Class Adverse Effects

Headache

Diarrhea

Nausea

Drug Table

Drug Name	Application	Comments	Image
Leflunomide			"Left" "Lunar" "Midas"