Mercaptopurine - 6 mercaptopurine side effects

Mercaptopurine is a highly effective antineoplastic drug. Mercaptopurine is converted in the body to corresponding monoribonucleotides which inhibits the conversion of inosine monophosphate to adenine and guanine nucleotides. There is also feed back inhibition of de novo purine synthesis.

Indications of Mercaptopurine

• Childhood acute leukemia,
• choreocarcinoma.
• Chronic granulocytic leukaemia.

Dosage -- 2.5 mg/kg/day, half dose for maintenance.

Contra-indications -- lactation.

Special Precautions of Mercaptopurine

• Renal or hepatic dysfunction.
• Monitor blood count,
• hepatic function,
• uric acid levels.

Paediatrics -- Reduced dose necessary.

Pregnancy -- Not usually prescribed.

Lactation -- The drug passes into breast milk.

Elderly -- Reduced dose may be necessary.

Side-effects of Mercaptopurine

• Bone marrow depression,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• Hepatotoxicity,
• rash, fever,
• intestinal ulcers,
• hyperuricaemia.

Drug Interactions of Mercaptopurine

• Allopurinol increases the blood level of mercaptopurine,
• anticoagulant action of warfarin may be inhibited by mercaptopurine,
• other myelosuppressive agents potentiate antineoplastic effect.

Cancer Tip In order to receive the best possible benefit from your cancer therapy, it is important to follow your treatment as your doctor has prescribed. Even if you're not able to visit your regular treatment facility, chances are good that you can still maintain your schedule; many other doctors, nurses, and healthcare providers are able to safely administer your treatment.

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