Hydroxyurea is indicated for the treatment of several hematologic disorders and cancers, including:
Hydroxyurea is converted inside the body into a nitroxide free radical (NO). This compound enters cells by diffusion and acts by inhibiting the enzyme ribonucleotide reductase, which is essential for the production of deoxyribonucleotides required for DNA synthesis. By inactivating ribonucleotide reductase, Hydroxyurea disrupts the DNA replication process, leading to selective inhibition of DNA synthesis. This results in cell death during the S phase of the cell cycle and synchronization of surviving cells. Hydroxyurea also interferes with the repair of DNA damage caused by chemicals or radiation. Because of this effect, the drug may enhance the effectiveness of radiation therapy or alkylating chemotherapy agents. In patients with sickle cell anemia, Hydroxyurea increases the production of fetal hemoglobin (HbF). Higher levels of fetal hemoglobin reduce the occurrence of vaso-occlusive crises, which are painful complications of the disease. The increase in fetal hemoglobin is associated with activation of soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) by nitric oxide derived from Hydroxyurea.
Polycythaemia Vera: Administer 15–20 mg/kg orally once daily.
Essential Thrombocythemia: Administer 15 mg/kg orally once daily.
Solid Tumors – Intermittent Therapy: Administer 80 mg/kg orally every three days.
Continuous Therapy: Administer 20–30 mg/kg orally once daily (qDay).
Head & Neck Tumors: Start 80 mg/kg orally every three days (q3days) seven days before initiating irradiation.
Chronic Myelocytic Leukemia, Resistant: Administer 20–40 mg/kg orally once daily.
Sickle Cell Disease: Initiate at 15 mg/kg/day as a single dose; monitor blood cell counts every two weeks. Titrate by 5 mg/kg/day every 12 weeks, but do not exceed 35 mg/kg/day.
Hydroxyurea may increase the risk of toxicity when administered together with antiretroviral medications. It can also interfere with laboratory assessments of uric acid, urea, and lactic acid levels.
Hydroxyurea should not be used in patients who have previously shown hypersensitivity or allergic reactions to Hydroxyurea or any component of the formulation.
Possible side effects of Hydroxyurea include:
Hydroxyurea is classified as Pregnancy Category D, meaning it may cause harm to the fetus. There are no well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Women should avoid becoming pregnant during treatment with Hydroxyurea. Hydroxyurea is excreted into human breast milk. Because of the risk of serious adverse effects, including possible carcinogenic effects in infants, breastfeeding should be discontinued during treatment.
Myelosuppression: Hydroxyurea can cause severe bone marrow suppression. Treatment should not begin if bone marrow function is already significantly reduced. Leukopenia is usually the first sign of bone marrow suppression, and severe cases may occur even at recommended doses.
Malignancies: Hydroxyurea is considered a human carcinogen. Long-term use in patients with myeloproliferative disorders has been associated with secondary leukemia and skin cancer. Patients should minimize sun exposure and be monitored for secondary cancers.
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Based on animal studies and its mechanism of action, Hydroxyurea may cause harm to the developing fetus when used during pregnancy.
Hydroxyurea may cause fetal harm according to animal studies and its mechanism of action. It is also excreted in breast milk, therefore breastfeeding should be stopped during treatment.
Severe mucocutaneous toxicity has been reported in patients receiving hydroxyurea at doses significantly higher than the therapeutic range. Reported symptoms include pain, violet-colored erythema, swelling of the palms and soles followed by peeling of the skin on hands and feet, widespread skin hyperpigmentation, and inflammation of the oral mucosa (stomatitis).
Cytotoxic Chemotherapy
Store at 25°C or below in a cool and dry place, protected from light. Keep out of reach of children.
What does Hydroxyurea do?
What are the uses of Hydroxyurea?
What are the side effects of Hydroxyurea?
Can Hydroxyurea cause fatigue or weakness?
No available drugs found