6-Mercaptopurine
6-Mercaptopurine (6-MP) is an antimetabolite and immunosuppressant. It acts as a purine antagonist to disrupt the synthesis of DNA and RNA, which helps control leukemia cell growth and reduce inflammation in severe autoimmune bowel diseases.
Dosage by Body Weight
Dosing is highly specialized, typically calculated based on body surface area (BSA) or mg/kg body weight, and adjusted according to blood cell counts, liver function, and genetic factors (TPMT/NUDT15). Must be taken under strict medical supervision.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Strictly calculated by oncologist
- Frequency
- Once daily as prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Not routine; requires precise calculation based on BSA or body weight under specialist supervision.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- Strictly calculated by oncologist
- Frequency
- Once daily as prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Dosing depends on hematological tolerance and genetic enzyme activity (TPMT).
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- Strictly calculated by oncologist
- Frequency
- Once daily as prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Typically initiated at 1.5 to 2.5 mg/kg per day and adjusted based on blood counts.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- Strictly calculated by oncologist
- Frequency
- Once daily as prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Administer on an empty stomach; avoid milk or dairy products within 2 hours of administration.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- Strictly calculated by oncologist
- Frequency
- Once daily as prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Requires frequent monitoring of complete blood counts (CBC) and liver function tests.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Strictly calculated by oncologist | Once daily as prescribed | Not routine; requires precise calculation based on BSA or body weight under specialist supervision. |
| 5-7 kg | Strictly calculated by oncologist | Once daily as prescribed | Dosing depends on hematological tolerance and genetic enzyme activity (TPMT). |
| 8-10 kg | Strictly calculated by oncologist | Once daily as prescribed | Typically initiated at 1.5 to 2.5 mg/kg per day and adjusted based on blood counts. |
| 11-15 kg | Strictly calculated by oncologist | Once daily as prescribed | Administer on an empty stomach; avoid milk or dairy products within 2 hours of administration. |
| 16-20 kg | Strictly calculated by oncologist | Once daily as prescribed | Requires frequent monitoring of complete blood counts (CBC) and liver function tests. |
Formulation
Purpose
Treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis.
Generic Name
MercaptopurineBranded Drug Names
6-Mercaptopurine is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.