Interaction between mercaptopurine and milk.
Mercaptopurine is a purine analog used for acute lymphoblatic leukemia and chronic myelogenous leukemias. Since it is inactivated by xanthine oxidase (XO), concurrent intake of substances containing XO may potentially reduce bioavailability of mercaptopurine. Cow's milk is known to contain a high level of XO. In vitro and in vivo data suggest that concurrent intake of cow's milk may reduce the bioavailability of mercaptopurine. This interaction may be clinically significant. Therefore most patients should try to separate the timing of taking mercaptopurine and drinking milk.
Provincial Systemic Therapy Program, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4E6, Canada. mdelemos@bccancer.bc.ca
Mário L
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de Lemos
Linda
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Hamata
Sarah
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Jennings
Tanya
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Leduc
D000818:Animals; D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D001682:Biological Availability; D002417:Cattle; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D018565:Food-Drug Interactions; D006801:Humans; D015122:Mercaptopurine / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D008892:Milk / Q000201:enzymology*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D014969:Xanthine Oxidase / Q000494:pharmacology*
D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic; D015122:Mercaptopurine; D014969:Xanthine Oxidase