Mercaptopurine Benefits & Uses

Mercaptopurine is used to treat the following -

Main Benefits

B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Other Benefits

Mercaptopurine Dosage & How to Take

This is the usual dosage recommended in most common treatment cases. Please remember that every patient and their case is different, so the dosage can be different based on the disease, route of administration, patient's age and medical history.

Find the right dosage based on disease and age

Age Group	Dosage
Adult	Disease: Ulcerative Colitis Before or After Meal: Either Single Maximum Dose: 1.5 mg/kg Dosage Form: Tablet Dosage Route: Oral Frequency: 1 daily Course Duration: As directed by the doctor Special Instructions: As prescribed by the doctor
Geriatric	Disease: Ulcerative Colitis Before or After Meal: Either Single Maximum Dose: 1.5 mg/kg Dosage Form: Tablet Dosage Route: Oral Frequency: 1 daily Course Duration: As directed by the doctor Special Instructions: As prescribed by the doctor
2 - 12 years (Child)	Disease: B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Before or After Meal: Either Single Maximum Dose: 2.5 mg/kg Dosage Form: Tablet Dosage Route: Oral Frequency: 1 daily Course Duration: As directed by the doctor Special Instructions: As prescribed by the doctor
Infant (1 month to 2 years)	Disease: B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Before or After Meal: Either Single Maximum Dose: 2.5 mg/kg Dosage Form: Tablet Dosage Route: Oral Frequency: 1 daily Course Duration: As directed by the doctor Special Instructions: As prescribed by the doctor

Mercaptopurine Side Effects

Based on research, the following side effects have been observed when Mercaptopurine is used -

Moderate

Intestinal Ulcer
Anemia (Read More - Home Remedies for Anaemia)
Increased Bilrubin Level
Mouth ulcer (Read More - How to get rid of Mouth Ulcers)

Mild

Diarrhoea
Loss of appetite
Infection
Rash
Nausea or vomiting
Urticaria

Mercaptopurine Related Warnings

Is the use of Mercaptopurine safe for pregnant women?

Pregnant women may get severe side effects after taking Mercaptopurine. If you are pregnant, do not take Mercaptopurine without a doctor's advice.

Severe
Is the use of Mercaptopurine safe during breastfeeding?

Women who are breastfeeding, may experience serious side effects after taking Mercaptopurine. So it is adviced to consult the doctor before using it.

Severe
What is the effect of Mercaptopurine on the Kidneys?

Mercaptopurine can have moderate side effects on the kidney. If you notice any harmful effects, stop taking this drug right away. Consult your doctor before using this medicine again.

Moderate
What is the effect of Mercaptopurine on the Liver?

There may be an adverse effect on the liver after taking Mercaptopurine. If you observe any side effects on your body then stop taking this drug. Take this medicine again only if your doctor advises you to do so.

Moderate
What is the effect of Mercaptopurine on the Heart?

Mercaptopurine has very mild side effects on the heart.

Mild

Severe Interaction of Mercaptopurine with Other Drugs

Mercaptopurine should not be taken with following medicines due to severe side effects it may cause to patients -

Severe

Mercaptopurine Contraindications

If you are suffering from any of the following diseases, you should not take Mercaptopurine unless your doctor advises you to do so -

Kidney Disease
Liver Disease
Anemia
Blood Cancer
Neutropenia
Hyperkalemia
Infections

Frequently asked Questions about Mercaptopurine

Is this Mercaptopurine habit forming or addictive?

No, there is no any evidence that Mercaptopurine is addictive.

No
Is it safe to drive or operate heavy machinery when consuming?

After taking Mercaptopurine you may feel sleepy. So it is not advised to perform these activities.

Dangerous
Is it safe?

Yes, Mercaptopurine is safe but you must consult your doctor before taking it.

Safe, but take only on Doctor's advise
Is it able to treat mental disorders?

There is no benefit of taking Mercaptopurine for mental disorders.

No

Mercaptopurine Interactions with Food and Alcohol

Interaction between Food and Mercaptopurine

It is safe to take Mercaptopurine with food.

Safe
Interaction between Alcohol and Mercaptopurine

It is difficult to say anything about the effect of Mercaptopurine and alcohol. No research has been done on this yet.

Unknown