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Merinethol 50mg Tablet
Last updated on 31 Mar 2026 | 09:30 AM (IST)
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Introduction
Merinethol 50mg Tablet is an anti-cancer medication that belongs to a group of drugs known as purine antagonists. It contains Mercaptopurine as its active ingredient and is primarily used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), a type of blood cancer that affects white blood cells. In ALL, the body produces too many immature white blood cells (lymphoblasts), which crowd out healthy blood cells and weaken the immune system.
If you're scheduled to receive any vaccinations, especially live vaccines (like polio, measles, mumps, or rubella), inform your doctor first. Live vaccines are not recommended while taking this medicine, as they may lead to serious infections. The yellow fever vaccine should be strictly avoided.
Your doctor may recommend routine blood and urine tests during treatment to monitor kidney function and uric acid levels, as high uric acid may affect kidney health. For patients with liver or kidney problems, a lower dose may be considered to avoid side effects due to slower elimination of the drug.
Uses of Merinethol 50mg Tablet
- Treatment of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL)
How Merinethol 50mg Tablet Works
Merinethol works by disrupting the DNA and RNA of cancer cells, preventing them from growing and dividing. It also suppresses the immune response and activates enzymes that help kill cancer cells. It’s often used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs to improve treatment outcomes.
Interaction of Merinethol 50mg Tablet with other drugs
Always inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines, supplements, or herbal products you are using. Some drugs may interfere with the effectiveness of Merinethol or increase side effects.
More Information about Merinethol 50mg Tablet
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Store at room temperature (15°C to 25°C) in the original packaging.
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Keep away from children and pets.
How to Take Merinethol 50mg Tablet
Always follow your doctor’s instructions. Take it once daily, with or without food, at the same time each day. Swallow the tablet whole with water. Do not chew, crush, or break it. Avoid taking it with milk or dairy products. Take it at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after consuming dairy, as it can interfere with absorption.
Safety Advice for Merinethol 50mg Tablet
Breast Feeding
Merinethol 50mg Tablet should not be taken if you are breastfeeding as it passes into breast milk. You need to tell your physician if you are breastfeeding before taking this medicine.
Alcohol
Consuming alcohol may affect the effectiveness of Merinethol 50mg Tablet. Stop consuming alcohol if you are taking this medicine.
Liver
Inform your doctor if you have any liver problems before taking Merinethol 50mg Tablet. Regular monitoring of liver function tests is recommended.
Lungs
It is not known whether Merinethol 50mg Tablet can be administered to patients with lung problems. Consult your doctor if you have any lung diseases before starting the treatment.
Driving
It is unsafe to drive vehicles or operate heavy machinery after taking Merinethol 50mg tablets, it may cause dizziness and impair your concentration.
Pregnancy
Merinethol 50mg Tablet is not recommended for pregnant women as it may cause fetal harm. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy during the treatment.
Side Effects of Merinethol 50mg Tablet
Like all medicines, Merinethol can cause side effects. Not everyone experiences them, but common side effects include:
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Nausea, vomiting
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Anaemia (low red blood cells)
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Fever or signs of infection (sore throat, mouth ulcers)
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Easy bruising or unexplained bleeding
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Low white blood cell or platelet count
Contact your doctor if you notice skin rashes, yellowing of the eyes or skin, severe fatigue, or any signs of allergic reactions.
Expert Tips
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Avoid sun exposure while on this medicine. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing.
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Let your doctor know immediately if you experience fever, chills, or symptoms of anaemia or liver issues.
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Women of childbearing age should use effective contraception and avoid pregnancy during treatment.
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Children, especially those under 6 or with low body weight, may be more prone to low blood sugar. Monitor closely and report symptoms like dizziness or unusual sweating.
FAQs about Merinethol 50mg Tablet
Q1.
What happens if you take Merinethol 50mg Tablet with milk?
Taking Merinethol 50mg Tablet with milk may decrease the absorption and effectiveness of the medication. This is because the calcium in milk can bind to mercaptopurine, forming an insoluble complex that reduces the amount of the drug that can be absorbed by the body.
Q2.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Merinethol 50mg Tablet?
It is generally advised to avoid drinking alcohol while taking Merinethol 50mg Tablet, as alcohol can increase the risk of liver damage.
Q3.
What is the complication of Merinethol 50mg Tablet?
Merinethol 50mg Tablet can also cause more serious complications, such as bone marrow suppression, which can lead to decreased production of blood cells and an increased risk of infections, bleeding, and anaemia.
Q4.
Which enzyme is responsible for metabolism of Merinethol 50mg Tablet?
The metabolism of Merinethol 50mg Tablet involves several enzymes, including thiopurine S-methyltransferase (TPMT), and xanthine oxidase (XO). Among these enzymes, TPMT is primarily responsible for the metabolism of mercaptopurine. TPMT converts mercaptopurine into 6-methylmercaptopurine, which is then further metabolised into inactive compounds that are excreted from the body.
Q5.
What is the recommended dose of this drug?
For the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), the recommended dose for adults and children is approximately 1.5 to 2.5 milligrams per kilogram of body weight taken orally once a day, usually in combination with other chemotherapy medications.
Q6.
What you should know while taking Merinethol 50mg Tablet?
You should have caution while taking this Merinethol 50mg Tablet, it can cause liver problems like jaundice, hepatomegaly and anorexia.
Fact Box of Merinethol 50mg Tablet
Molecule name: Mercaptopurine | Therapeutic class: Anticancer |
Pharmacological class: Purine antagonists | Indications:
|
References
- Aspen Pharma Trading Limited, Electronic medicines compendium (emc), [ Revised on August 2019] (Accessed: April 6, 2023), https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.4655.pdf
- Purinethol® (mercaptopurine) 50-mg scored tablets caution. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/009053s032lbl.pdf (Accessed: April 6, 2023).
- Mercaptopurine - HPRA. Available at: https://www.hpra.ie/img/uploaded/swedocuments/792acbf1-e5ab-4598-8f95-30d1e2ddffcc.pdf (Accessed: April 6, 2023).
- Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Cytotoxic agents, 12th edition, 2011, 1701 - 1702.
- KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Anticancer drugs, 7th edition, 2013, 863.
Disclaimer
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Author Details
Written By
Sakshi Anil More
B. Pharm
Reviewed By
Dr. Tejashwin Adiga
MBBS
Last updated : 31 Mar 2026 | 09:30 AM (IST)
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