Drug Class:
Infliximab is a TNF-α inhibitor and a chimeric monoclonal antibody used in autoimmune and inflammatory disorders.
Mechanism of Action (MOA):
Infliximab binds to Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) and blocks its inflammatory activity.
This reduces cytokine-mediated inflammation, tissue damage, pain, and immune overactivation.
Major Clinical Uses:
Rheumatoid arthritis
Crohn’s disease
Ulcerative colitis
Ankylosing spondylitis
Psoriasis & Psoriatic arthritis
Common Side Effects:
Headache
Fever & chills after infusion
Nausea
Fatigue
Rash or itching
Upper respiratory tract infections
Dizziness
Abdominal pain
Important Adverse Effects:
Infusion reactions
Increased risk of serious infections
Reactivation of latent tuberculosis
Hepatitis B reactivation
Possible risk of lymphoma & malignancy
Drug-induced lupus-like syndrome
Contraindications / Cautions:
Active infections
Untreated latent TB
Severe heart failure
Caution in immunocompromised patients
High-Yield Student Pearls:
Always screen for TB before starting infliximab
Often combined with methotrexate to reduce anti-drug antibody formation
“-mab” = monoclonal antibody
Infliximab is given by IV infusion, not orally
TNF-α inhibitors are considered “game changers” in autoimmune diseases because they target the inflammatory pathway directly
Quick Memory Trick:
“INFLIXI-MAB fixes INFLAMMATION by blocking TNF-α.”
MBH/PS
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