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Generic Name: Mercaptopurine (6-mercaptopurine or 6-MP)
Brand Name(s): Purinethol®, Puri-Nethol®
IUPAC: 3,7-dihydropurine-6-thione
FDA Approval: yes
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Usage: The purine antagonist 6-Mercaptopurine has been used as a
chemotherapy drug for over 30 years. The drug is usually given orally. When higher doses are required, the drug may be given through an IV. Patients suffering from acute lymphocytic or myelocytic
leukemia, lymphoblastic leukemia (especially in childhood cases) and acute myelogenous and myelomonocytic leukemias are often given 6-MP (Purinethol®, Puri-Nethol®) in combination with other chemotherapy drugs. In addition to its role in cancer treatment, 6-MP is used to treat patients suffering from a variety of inflammatory bowel diseases. The drug is also used to prevent rejection following organ transplants.
(1)Mechanism: 6-MP is very similar to the purine bases in
DNA. When used in DNA
replication (copying), it prevents cell division. 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) causes remissions in childhood leukemia cases without severely harming normal cells. The FDA approved it for widespread use in 1953.
(2)Side Effects: Side effects include low blood counts, mouth sores, skin rash/acne, mild nausea, abnormal liver function. Side effects are rare in children.
(2)(3)
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