Toxic capacity

Thiopurine is a type of drug that is used in the treatment of cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called antineoplastics.

Overview

Thiopurines are a class of drugs that include azathioprine, mercaptopurine, and thioguanine. These drugs are used in the treatment of leukemia, autoimmune diseases, and organ transplant recipients. They work by interfering with the synthesis of nucleic acids and thus, inhibit the growth of rapidly dividing cells such as cancer cells.

Mechanism of Action

Thiopurines work by inhibiting the synthesis of purine nucleotides, which are essential for DNA and RNA synthesis. This inhibition is achieved by the conversion of thiopurines into active metabolites, which then incorporate into DNA and RNA, causing cell death.

Side Effects

Like all drugs, thiopurines can cause side effects. These may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and skin rash. In some cases, thiopurines can cause serious side effects such as bone marrow suppression, liver toxicity, and an increased risk of infections due to a weakened immune system.

Precautions

Before starting treatment with a thiopurine, patients should inform their doctor about any other medications they are taking, as thiopurines can interact with other drugs. Patients should also inform their doctor if they have any liver disease, kidney disease, or a history of pancreatitis.

See Also

• Azathioprine
• Mercaptopurine
• Thioguanine
• Antineoplastics
• Leukemia
• Autoimmune diseases
• Organ transplant

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