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 Fruit and vegetable consumption may not significantly reduce breast cancer risk, but fruits and vegetables contain phytochemicals and antioxidants that may be protective against other cancers and heart disease. A minimum of five servings per day is recommended.

Become a regular visitor at our " Cancer Care Blog " - Here are the latest blog entries: Treatment for migraine Cancer Fighting Crucifers Is Common Sense or Research Needed to Cure Cancer? Surgical castration or bilateral orchidectomy Things Women Can Do to Prevent Cancer Things Men Can Do to Prevent Cancer

Health Tip A simple finger-prick test can ascertain the presence of diabetes which may well be the underlying cause of confusion in an elderly person.

Home . Mesothelioma . Mesothelioma Fact . Mesothelioma Asbestos . Mesothelioma Symptom . Mesothelioma Treatment . Mesothelioma Diagnosis . Mesothelioma Causes . Malignant Mesothelioma . Mesothelioma Stage . Pleural Mesothelioma . Mesothelioma Update . Asbestos . Asbestosis . Chemotherapy