Mercaptopurine is indicated for maintenance therapy of acute lymphatic (lymphocytic, lymphoblastic) leukemiaas part of a combination regimen. The response to this agent depends upon the particular subclassification of acute lymphatic leukemia and the age of the patient (pediatric ... Read moreMercaptopurine is indicated for maintenance therapy of acute lymphatic (lymphocytic, lymphoblastic) leukemiaas part of a combination regimen. The response to this agent depends upon the particular subclassification of acute lymphatic leukemia and the age of the patient (pediatric or adult).Mercaptopurine is not effective for prophylaxis or treatment of central nervous system leukemia. Mercaptopurine is not effective in acute myelogenous leukemia, chronic lymphatic leukemia, the lymphomas (including Hodgkins Disease), or solid tumors.
Cytotoxic Chemotherapy
Mercaptopurine is a purine antagonist which is converted intracellularly into its active nucleotides, including thioinosinic acid. The nucleotides inhibit several reactions which ultimately interferes with nucleic acid synthesis and prevents the formation of RNA and DNA.
Anticoagulant action of warfarin may be inhibited by mercaptopurine. Enhanced toxicity with myelosuppressive drugs.
Pregnancy and lactation. Prior resistance to mercaptopurine or thioguanine; severe liver disease; severe bone marrow suppression.
Hyperuricaemia, bone marrow toxicity, hypoplasia, anorexia, diarrhoea, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, intestinal ulceration, crystalluria with haematuria, immunosuppression, interstitial pneumonitis. Cutaneous hyperpigmentation, alopecia.
Pregnancy category D. There is positive evidence of human foetal risk, but the benefits from use in pregnant women may be acceptable despite the risk (e.g., if the drug is needed in a life-threatening situation or for a serious disease for which safer drugs cannot be used or are ineffective).
Hepatic or renal dysfunction; monitor hepatic function periodically. Mercaptopurine is potentially carcinogenic. Thiopurine S-methyl transferase (TPMT) deficiency; porphyria.
Store at 20-25° C
Cytotoxic Chemotherapy
Mercaptopurine is a purine antagonist which is converted intracellularly into its active nucleotides, including thioinosinic acid. The nucleotides inhibit several reactions which ultimately interferes with nucleic acid synthesis and prevents the formation of RNA and DNA.
Pregnancy category D. There is positive evidence of human foetal risk, but the benefits from use in pregnant women may be acceptable despite the risk (e.g., if the drug is needed in a life-threatening situation or for a serious disease for which safer drugs cannot be used or are ineffective).
