Mercaptopurine Monohydrate (Mercaptopurine Monohydrate)
Overview of Mercaptopurine Monohydrate
Mercaptopurine (Monohydrate) is oral, cell-cycle-phase specific antineoplastic agent used chiefly in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Mercaptopurine (Monohydrate) is a chemical analog of purine, a necessary building block used by cells for synthesizing DNA. Mercaptopurine is also closely related to another antimetabolite, thioguaninean (the two agents have similar indications, adverse effects, and cross-resistance). Mercaptopurine is also the metabolite of azathioprine, a commonly used immunosuppressive agent. It received FDA approval in 1953.it acts as an antimetabolite and is active in the S-phase. Mercaptopurine exhibits a couple of mechanisms of action. It can undergo triphosphorylation and can be incorporated into DNA in place of adenine, leading to a derangement in the DNA message. Mercaptopurine ribonucleotides also can be incorporated into RNA and can halt RNA synthesis. Second, the drug can be metabolized to a nucleotide that inhibits biosynthesis of purines needed for RNA and DNA synthesis. Together these effects lead to cell death.
Indication of Mercaptopurine Monohydrate
Mercaptopurine Monohydrate is primarily indicated in conditions like Acute leukemia, Crohn's disease, Non-hodgkin's lymphoma, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Inflammatory bowel disease, Inflammatory bowel disease (unlicensed use).
Contraindication of Mercaptopurine Monohydrate
Mercaptopurine (Monohydrate) is contraindicated in conditions like Hypersensitivity,Bone marrow suppression.
Side Effects of Mercaptopurine Monohydrate
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Mercaptopurine (Monohydrate), which give rise to further complications include Pancreatitis, Anorexia, Interstitial pneumonitis, Liver dysfunction, Liver necrosis.,Mercaptopurine (Monohydrate) produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Anemia, Thrombocytopenia, Myelosuppression, Anemia, Granulocytopenia, Leukopenia. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Mercaptopurine (Monohydrate) therapy.,The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Mercaptopurine (Monohydrate) include Myelosuppression, Anorexia, Nausea & vomiting, Liver dysfunction, Gastroentritis.,The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Mercaptopurine (Monohydrate) are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Anorexia, Diarrhea, Jaundice, StomatitisX, Eosinophilia, Radiation recall reactions.
Precautions of Mercaptopurine Monohydrate
Drinking alcohol may increase the possibility of developing stomach irritation or liver damage. Contraceptive (birth control) measures are recommended for use in men and women while taking mercaptopurine. It is not recommended for use during pregnancy. IM injection should not administered in the patient receiving mercaptopurine. It should not used during pregnancy unless the potential benefits to the mother outweigh the risk to the fetus. It shoud be used with care in pateints with impaired hepatic or renal function.