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Definition of Mercaptopurine

Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026

Mercaptopurine: A drug that acts as an antimetabolite, interfering with the metabolism of purine bases and inhibiting the synthesis of DNA and RNA.

Mercaptopurine is used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and polycythemia vera. It is also used in the treatment of Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and psoriatic arthritis.

Also known as 6-mercaptopurine, 6-MP, or MP.