MERCAPTOPURINE

Antimetabolite anticancer

Dosage Forms

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Tablet

50 mg

Uses

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  • Acute leukaemias
  • Chronic myeloid leukaemia

Dose and Duration

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All uses

Adult and child: usual dose is 2.5 mg/kg per day or 50−75 mg/m²; dose and duration depend on the other cytotoxic agents given in conjunction with mercaptopurine. Consult product literature

Contraindications

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  • Hypersensitivity to mercaptopurine

Side Effects

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  • Myelosuppression (leucopoenia, thrombocytopenia)
  • Nausea, vomiting
  • Hepatotoxicity

Interactions

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  • Live vaccines: (risk of developing disease)
  • Allopurinol: (increase effects/toxicity of mercaptopurine)
  • Cotrimoxazole: (increased risk of haematotoxicity)
  • Warfarin: (reduced anticoagulant effect)
  • Clozapine: (agranulocytosis)

Patient Instructions

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  • Take at least 1 hour before or 3 hours after food or milk

Pregnancy

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  • Do not use

Breast-feeding

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  • Discontinue breastfeeding

⚠️ Caution

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  • Reduce dose in renal or hepatic impairment
  • Monitor full blood counts regularly
  • Anticancer medicines should only be handled by health workers trained and experienced in cytotoxic medicines