Mercaptopurine Benefits & Uses

Mercaptopurine is used to treat the following -

Other Benefits

Blood Cancer

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?

Mercaptopurine should not be taken during pregnancy, or should only be taken on the advice of a doctor as it may have severe side effects.

Severe
Is the use of Mercaptopurine safe during breastfeeding?

Mercaptopurine may cause serious side effects in breastfeeding women, so do not take this drug without doctor's advice.

Severe
What is the effect of Mercaptopurine on the Kidneys?

There may be some adverse effects on kidney after taking Mercaptopurine. If you observe any such side effects, stop taking this drug. Consume this medicine again only if your doctor advises you to do so.

Moderate
What is the effect of Mercaptopurine on the Liver?

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

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?

Mercaptopurine is not addictive in nature.

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

No, you should do not do anything that requires concentration and attention as the Mercaptopurine can make you feel drowsy.

Dangerous
Is it safe?

Mercaptopurine should be used only after doctor's advice.

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

No, Mercaptopurine cannot treat any kind of mental disorder.

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

Information about the interaction of Mercaptopurine and alcohol is not currently available because this topic has not been researched yet.

Unknown