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  3. Merinethol 50 mg Tablet 10's

Merinethol 50 mg Tablet 10's, Pack of 10 TABLETS
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Written By Veda Maddala , M Pharmacy
Reviewed By Dr Aneela Siddabathuni , MPharma., PhD
Merinethol 50 mg Tablet is used to treat blood cancer. It contains Mercaptopurine that works by inhibiting the growth, repair and multiplication of cancer cells. This medicine may sometimes cause side effects such as vomiting, nausea, low red blood cell count, loss of appetite, diarrhoea or inflammation of the mouth. Before taking this medicine, inform the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, taking any other medication, or have any pre-existing medical conditions.
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Composition :

MERCAPTOPURINE-50MG

Consume Type :

ORAL

Return Policy :

Not Returnable

Expires on or after :

About Merinethol 50 mg Tablet

Merinethol 50 mg Tablet belongs to the class of medication called anticancer drugs used in the treatment of blood cancer. Blood cancer also known as leukaemia, is the cancer of blood cells. It causes excessive production of immature white blood cells by the bone marrow.

Merinethol 50 mg Tablet contains Mercaptopurine that works by interfering with the production of genetic material (DNA and RNA) in the cancer cells that are essential for growth, repair and multiplication of cells. Thus, Merinethol 50 mg Tablet stops multiplication of abnormal cells and leads to the growth of cells in an unbalanced way and causes the death of cells.

Take Merinethol 50 mg Tablet as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to take Merinethol 50 mg Tablet for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you based on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience vomiting, nausea, low red blood cell count, loss of appetite, diarrhoea or inflammation of the mouth. Most of these side effects of Merinethol 50 mg Tablet do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.

If you are known to be allergic to Merinethol 50 mg Tablet or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Avoid taking Merinethol 50 mg Tablet if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and consult a doctor. You are recommended to use effective contraceptive methods while using Merinethol 50 mg Tablet and for 3 months after completing the course of Merinethol 50 mg Tablet to prevent pregnancy. Merinethol 50 mg Tablet should be used with caution in children, especially in children below 6 years or with low body mass index as it may cause low blood sugar. Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight as Merinethol 50 mg Tablet may cause sensitivity to sunlight. You are advised to use a sunscreen with a high protection factor and wear protective clothing while going out. Merinethol 50 mg Tablet may increase the risk of a serious condition called macrophage activation syndrome (over activation of white blood cells associated with inflammation), especially in people with arthritis.

Uses of Merinethol 50 mg Tablet

Treatment of Blood cancer (Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia)

Directions for Use

• Merinethol 50 mg Tablet can be taken with or without food as advised by your doctor.• Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication.• Swallow Merinethol 50 mg Tablet as a whole with a glass of water.• Do not crush, break, or chew it.

Medicinal Benefits

Merinethol 50 mg Tablet contains Mercaptopurine, an anticancer drug used to treat blood cancer. Merinethol 50 mg Tablet interferes with the production of genetic material (DNA and RNA) in the cancer cells essential for growth, repair and multiplication of cells. Thus, Merinethol 50 mg Tablet stops multiplication of abnormal cells and leads to cell's growth in an unbalanced way and causes the death of cells. 

How Merinethol 50 mg Tablet Works

Merinethol 50 mg Tablet contains Mercaptopurine that works by interfering with the production of genetic material (DNA and RNA) in the cancer cells that are essential for growth, repair and multiplication of cells. Thus, Merinethol 50 mg Tablet stops multiplication of abnormal cells and leads to the growth of cells in an unbalanced way and causes the death of cells.

Storage

Keep Merinethol 50 mg Tablet out of reach and sight of children.
Side effects of Merinethol 50 mg Tablet
  • Consume more protein-rich foods and healthy fats like beans, avocados, cheese, nuts and lean meats to minimize appetite.
  • Prefer foods high in fiber to help feel full for a long time.
  • If you have decreased appetite, eat only when you are hungry.
  • Eat several small meals or snacks all day.
  • Try to take only small sips of fluids while eating.
Overcome Medication-Induced Nausea: A 9-Step Plan
  • Inform your doctor about the nausea and discuss possible alternatives to the medication or adjustments to the dosage.
  • Divide your daily food intake into smaller, more frequent meals to reduce nausea.
  • Opt for bland, easily digestible foods like crackers, toast, plain rice, bananas, and applesauce.
  • Avoid certain foods that can trigger nausea, such as fatty, greasy, spicy, and smelly foods.
  • Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, clear broth, or electrolyte-rich beverages like coconut water or sports drinks.
  • Use ginger (tea, ale, or candies) to help relieve nausea.
  • Get adequate rest and also avoid strenuous activities that can worsen nausea.
  • Talk to your doctor about taking anti-nausea medication if your nausea is severe.
  • Record when your nausea occurs, what triggers it, and what provides relief to help you identify patterns and manage your symptoms more effectively.
To prevent, manage, and treat Constipation caused by medication usage, follow these steps:
  • Preventing Vomiting (Before it Happens)
  • Take medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. This can help minimize side effects, including vomiting.
  • Having a small meal before taking your medication can help reduce nausea and vomiting.
  • Talk to your doctor about taking anti-nausea medication along with your prescribed medication.
  • Managing Vomiting (If it Happens)
  • Try taking ginger in the form of tea, ale, or candy to help alleviate nausea and vomiting.
  • What to Do if Vomiting Persists
  • Consult your doctor if vomiting continues or worsens, consult the doctor for guidance on adjusting your medication or additional treatment.
  • Skin rash caused by allergies is due to irritants or allergens. Therefore, avoid contact with such irritants.
  • Consult your doctor for proper medication and apply an anti-itch medication. Follow the schedule and use the medication whenever needed.
  • Protect your skin from extreme heat and try to apply wet compresses.
  • Soak in the cool bath, which gives a soothing impact to the affected area.
Here are the 7 steps to manage Dizziness caused by medication:
  • Inform your doctor about dizziness symptoms. They may adjust your medication regimen or prescribe additional medications to manage symptoms.
  • Follow your doctor's instructions for taking medication, and take it at the same time every day to minimize dizziness.
  • When standing up, do so slowly and carefully to avoid sudden dizziness.
  • Avoid making sudden movements, such as turning or bending quickly, which can exacerbate dizziness.
  • Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and help alleviate dizziness symptoms.
  • If you're feeling dizzy, sit or lie down and rest until the dizziness passes.
  • Track when dizziness occurs and any factors that may trigger it, and share this information with your doctor to help manage symptoms.

What if I have taken an overdose of Merinethol 50 mg Tablet

Take Merinethol 50 mg Tablet only as prescribed by the physician. Avoid exceeding the recommended dose as it could lead to an overdose. Symptoms of overdose may include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, pale skin, weakness, shortness of breath, signs of infection (sore throat, fever, chills), and unusual bruising or bleeding. If you experience these symptoms or suspect you have taken an overdose, seek immediate medical attention.

Drug Warnings

If you are allergic to Merinethol 50 mg Tablet or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Avoid taking Merinethol 50 mg Tablet if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and consult a doctor. You are recommended to use effective contraceptive methods while using Merinethol 50 mg Tablet and 3 months after completing the course of Merinethol 50 mg Tablet to prevent pregnancy. Merinethol 50 mg Tablet should be used with caution in children, especially in children below 6 years or with low body mass index as it may cause low blood sugar. Merinethol 50 mg Tablet may increase the risk of infections. Therefore, consult your doctor if you notice any infection signs such as urinary problems, sore throat or mouth. Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight as Merinethol 50 mg Tablet may cause sensitivity to sunlight. You are advised to use a sunscreen with a high protection factor and wear protective clothing while going out. Merinethol 50 mg Tablet may increase the risk of a serious condition called macrophage activation syndrome (over activation of white blood cells associated with inflammation), especially in people with arthritis. If you are about to receive any vaccinations, inform your doctor that you are taking Merinethol 50 mg Tablet to cause infections. 

Drug-Drug Interactions

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MercaptopurineBCG vaccine
Critical
MercaptopurineYellow fever vaccine
Critical

Drug-Drug Interactions

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MercaptopurineBCG vaccine
Critical
How does the drug interact with Merinethol 50 mg Tablet:
Co-administration of the BCG vaccine with Merinethol 50 mg Tablet together can increase the risk of infection.

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Merinethol 50 mg Tablet with BCG vaccine is not recommended, as it can possibly result in an interaction, but it can be taken if your doctor has advised it. Do not stop taking any medication without consulting your doctor.
MercaptopurineYellow fever vaccine
Critical
How does the drug interact with Merinethol 50 mg Tablet:
Co-administration of the Yellow fever vaccine with Merinethol 50 mg Tablet can increase the risk of infection.

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Merinethol 50 mg Tablet with the Yellow fever vaccine is not recommended, as it can possibly result in an interaction, but it can be taken if your doctor has advised it. Do not stop taking any medication without consulting your doctor.
MercaptopurineFebuxostat
Critical
How does the drug interact with Merinethol 50 mg Tablet:
Coadministration of Merinethol 50 mg Tablet with Febuxostat can increase the blood levels of Merinethol 50 mg Tablet.

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Merinethol 50 mg Tablet with Febuxostat is not recommended, but it can be taken together if prescribed by a doctor. However, if you experience any unusual symptoms contact your doctor immediately. Do not stop using any medications without talking to your doctor.
MercaptopurineTalimogene laherparepvec
Critical
How does the drug interact with Merinethol 50 mg Tablet:
Co-administration of Talimogene laherparepvec with Merinethol 50 mg Tablet can increase the risk or severity of side effects.

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Merinethol 50 mg Tablet with Talimogene laherparepvec is not recommended, as it can possibly result in an interaction, but it can be taken if your doctor has advised it. Do not stop taking any medication without consulting your doctor.
MercaptopurineRotavirus vaccine
Critical
How does the drug interact with Merinethol 50 mg Tablet:
When Rotavirus vaccine is used together with Merinethol 50 mg Tablet, its effectiveness may be reduced.

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Merinethol 50 mg Tablet with the Rotavirus vaccine is not recommended, as it can possibly result in an interaction, but it can be taken if your doctor has advised it. Do not stop taking any medication without consulting your doctor.
MercaptopurineGolimumab
Severe
How does the drug interact with Merinethol 50 mg Tablet:
Co-administration of Merinethol 50 mg Tablet with Golimumab together can increase the risk of infection.

How to manage the interaction:
There may be a possibility of interaction between Merinethol 50 mg Tablet and Golimumab, but it can be taken if prescribed by a doctor. If you have any of these symptoms, contact a doctor right away. These symptoms include fever, chills, diarrhea, sore throat, muscle aches, difficulty breathing, weight loss, and pain or burning when you pee. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.
MercaptopurineClozapine
Severe
How does the drug interact with Merinethol 50 mg Tablet:
Co-administration of Merinethol 50 mg Tablet with Clozapine can increase the risk of neutropenia (lower white blood cell count), which may increase the risk of serious infections.

How to manage the interaction:
Although taking Merinethol 50 mg Tablet and Clozapine together can cause an interaction, it can be taken if a doctor has suggested it. However, contact a doctor right away if you experience fever, chills, diarrhea, soreness, muscle aches, difficulty breathing, weight loss, or pain, burning sensation while urination. Do not stop using any medications without talking to a doctor.
MercaptopurineInfliximab
Severe
How does the drug interact with Merinethol 50 mg Tablet:
Co-administration of Infliximab with Merinethol 50 mg Tablet can increase the risk of infection.

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Merinethol 50 mg Tablet with Infliximab together can result in an interaction, but it can be taken if your doctor has advised it. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your doctor right away. These symptoms include fever, chills, diarrhea, sore throat, muscle aches, difficulty breathing, weight loss, and pain or burning when you urinate. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.
MercaptopurineNatalizumab
Severe
How does the drug interact with Merinethol 50 mg Tablet:
Co-administration of Merinethol 50 mg Tablet with Natalizumab can increase the risk of infections.

How to manage the interaction:
Although there is a possible interaction between Merinethol 50 mg Tablet and Natalizumab, you can take these medicines together if prescribed by a doctor. If you experience symptoms like fever, muscle aches, or confusion, contact a doctor right away. Do not stop using any medications without talking to a doctor.
MercaptopurineTeriflunomide
Severe
How does the drug interact with Merinethol 50 mg Tablet:
The combined use of Merinethol 50 mg Tablet with Teriflunomide can increase the risk of infections.

How to manage the interaction:
Although there is a possible interaction between Merinethol 50 mg Tablet and Teriflunomide, you can take these medicines together if prescribed by your doctor. If you notice any of these signs - fever, chills, diarrhea, sore throat, muscle pain, difficulty breathing, weight loss, pain, joint pain, swelling, bruising, skin rash, itching, loss of appetite, tiredness, feeling sick, vomiting, dark urine, or bleeding - contact your doctor right away. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting your doctor.

Drug-Food Interactions

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No Drug - Food interactions found in our database. Some may be unknown. Consult your doctor for what to avoid during medication.

Drug-Food Interactions

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Diet & Lifestyle Advise

  • Maintain a balanced diet including fruits and vegetables rich in nutrients and low-fat proteins like lean meats, fish and poultry.
  • Drink plenty of water daily while taking Merinethol 50 mg Tablet as some cancer therapies may cause dehydration.
  • Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy body weight.
  • Regularly wash your hands and avoid contact with people having infections.
  • Quit smoking.

Habit Forming

No

Therapeutic Class

CHEMOTHERAPY

Merinethol 50 mg Tablet Substitute

Substitutes safety advice

Product Substitutes

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Alcohol

Caution

Interaction of Merinethol 50 mg Tablet with alcohol is unknown. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol while using Merinethol 50 mg Tablet .

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Pregnancy

Unsafe

Merinethol 50 mg Tablet is a category D pregnancy drug and is not recommended for use during pregnancy, especially in the first 3 months as it may cause harm to the foetus. Please consult a doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy.

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Breast Feeding

Unsafe

Merinethol 50 mg Tablet is contraindicated in breastfeeding women. Please consult a doctor if you are breastfeeding.

bannner image

Driving

Safe if prescribed

Merinethol 50 mg Tablet usually does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.

bannner image

Liver

Caution

Take Merinethol 50 mg Tablet with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.

bannner image

Kidney

Caution

Take Merinethol 50 mg Tablet with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.

bannner image

Children

Caution

Merinethol 50 mg Tablet should be used with caution in children, especially in children below 6 years or with low body mass index as it may cause low blood sugar.

Have a query?

FAQs

Merinethol 50 mg Tablet is used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (blood cancer).

Merinethol 50 mg Tablet contains Mercaptopurine that works by interfering with the production of genetic material (DNA and RNA) in the cancer cells that are essential for growth, repair and multiplication of cells. Thus, Merinethol 50 mg Tablet stops multiplication of abnormal cells and leads to the growth of cells in an unbalanced way and causes the death of cells.

Merinethol 50 mg Tablet may affect eggs or cause low sperm count. Therefore, please consult a doctor before taking Merinethol 50 mg Tablet if you are planning to become parents.

Merinethol 50 mg Tablet may increase sensitivity to sunlight or UV light. Therefore, avoid or limit exposure to the sun for a long time or artificial light such as tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen before going out in the sun.

Merinethol 50 mg Tablet may cause low blood sugar levels in children below 6 years and those having low body weight. Therefore, use Merinethol 50 mg Tablet with caution in children and if you notice any symptoms such as dizziness, excessive sweating, confusion or nausea, please consult a doctor immediately.

If you are about to receive any vaccinations especially live vaccines such as measles vaccine, flu vaccine, BCG vaccine, etc., it is advised to inform your doctor that you are on treatment with Merinethol 50 mg Tablet as it may cause infections.

Merinethol 50 mg Tablet may increase the risk of infections. Therefore, consult your doctor if you notice any signs of infection such as urinary problems, chills, fever, cough, sore throat or mouth and avoid contact with people having cold, flu or infection.

Yes, Merinethol 50 mg Tablet is a chemotherapy drug. It belongs to the class of anticancer medications used to treat blood cancer (leukaemia), a condition in which the bone marrow produces excessive immature white blood cells. It works by inhibiting the production of DNA and RNA in cancer cells, which are essential for their growth and division. By disrupting this process, it prevents abnormal cells from multiplying, ultimately leading to their death.

Yes, Merinethol 50 mg Tablet may cause thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) as a side effect. This occurs due to its myelosuppressive effects, which suppress bone marrow activity. Therefore, regular monitoring of blood counts is advised during treatment with Merinethol 50 mg Tablet .

The side effects of Merinethol 50 mg Tablet include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, low red blood cell count, diarrhoea or inflammation of the mouth. Most of these side effects gradually resolve over time. However, consult the doctor if any of these symptoms persist or worsen.

Take Merinethol 50 mg Tablet with or without food as your doctor advises, preferably 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking milk or dairy products. Swallow it with a glass of water. Do not break, crush, or chew it.

No, Merinethol 50 mg Tablet is not recommended for use during pregnancy, especially in the first 3 months, as it may cause harm to the foetus. Please consult a doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy.

Country of origin

India
Other Info - MER0594

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Author Details

Veda MaddalaDoctor badge

Written By

Veda Maddala

M Pharmacy

Dr Aneela SiddabathuniDoctor badge

Reviewed By

Dr Aneela Siddabathuni

MPharma., PhD

Last Updated

Jul 18, 2025 | 6:49 AM IST

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Reference

  1. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.4655.pdf
  2. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.2949.pdf

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