Mercaptopurine

Definition

Mercaptopurine is an immunosuppressive medication used primarily to treat leukemia and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of DNA, RNA, and proteins in rapidly dividing cells.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Mercaptopurine is metabolized in the liver and requires regular monitoring of liver function tests.
2. Patients taking mercaptopurine should avoid excessive sunlight exposure due to increased risk of skin cancer.
3. It can cause bone marrow suppression, leading to lowered blood cell counts; therefore, frequent blood tests are necessary.
4. Nutritional considerations include avoiding high-purine foods to reduce additional metabolic load on the liver.
5. Concurrent use with allopurinol requires dose adjustment due to interaction that can increase toxicity.

Review Questions

• What are the primary medical conditions treated with mercaptopurine?
• Why is regular blood monitoring important for patients on mercaptopurine therapy?
• What dietary advice should be given to a patient taking mercaptopurine?

Related terms

Azathioprine: An immunosuppressive drug often used as an alternative or adjunct to mercaptopurine for treating IBD.

Allopurinol: A medication used to decrease high uric acid levels which can interact with mercaptopurine, increasing its toxicity.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, often managed with immunosuppressive drugs like mercaptopurine.