Pronunciation: [mˈɜːkɐptˌɒpjʊɹˌiːn] (IPA) 
Mercaptopurine is a medication used to treat certain types of cancer. The spelling of the word can be broken down as follows: "mer-cap-to-pu-rine." In IPA phonetic transcription, it would be written as /mɜr ˌkæp toʊ ˈpjʊər in/. The "mer" is pronounced like "mur," and "cap," "to," "pu," and "rine" are all pronounced as they are spelled. The emphasis is on the second syllable, "cap."
Mercaptopurine is a synthetic drug that belongs to the class of medications called purine analogues. It is primarily used as an antineoplastic agent, meaning it is used to treat certain types of cancer. Mercaptopurine is most commonly used in the treatment of leukemia, specifically acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). It works by inhibiting the growth and proliferation of cancer cells in the body.
The drug is available in tablet form and is typically taken orally. Mercaptopurine is rapidly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and then undergoes metabolism in the liver. It is converted into active metabolites that interfere with DNA synthesis, preventing the growth of cancer cells. This suppression of cell division helps to slow down the progression of the disease.
Side effects of mercaptopurine may include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and fatigue. It can also affect the bone marrow, leading to a decrease in the production of blood cells. Regular monitoring of blood counts is essential during treatment with mercaptopurine to ensure optimal dosage and minimize toxicity.
Mercaptopurine is often used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs and may be part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes radiation therapy and stem cell transplants. It is important to note that mercaptopurine should only be used under the guidance and supervision of a healthcare professional experienced in the treatment of cancer.
The word "mercaptopurine" is derived from a combination of two components: "mercapto-" and "-purine".
1. "Mercapto-" is derived from the Latin word "mercurius", meaning "mercury", which refers to the chemical element mercury. In chemistry, the prefix "mercapto-" is used to indicate the presence of a sulfur atom (-SH group), similar to the mercury compounds.
2. "Purine" comes from the German word "Purin" and the Latin term "purum", meaning "pure". It is a type of organic compound that is found in various organisms, including plants and animals. Purines are known for their role in DNA and RNA structure, as well as being important components of certain molecules, such as the bases adenine and guanine.
