Hydroxyurea
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Image:Hydroxyurea.svg | |
| Hydroxyurea | |
| CAS number 127-07-1 | ATC code L01XX05 |
| Chemical formula | C{{#if:{{{1|}}}|{{{1}}}|}}H{{#if:{{{1|}}}|{{{1}}}}}4N{{#if:{{{1|}}}|{{{1}}}|}}2O{{#if:{{{1|}}}|{{{1}}}|}}2 |
| Molecular weight | 76.05 |
| Bioavailability | ? |
| Metabolism | Liver |
| Elimination half-life | 2-4.5 h. |
| Excretion | Renal and lungs |
| Pregnancy category | D (USA) |
| Legal status | ? |
| Routes of administration | Oral |
Hydroxyurea or hydroxycarbamide (the latter being the recommended International Non-Proprietary Name), (brand names include Hydrea®) is an antineoplastic drug used in hematological malignancies. It is also used as an antiretroviral agent (e.g., against HIV). Its mechanism of action is believed to be based on its inhibition of the enzyme ribonucleotide reductase.
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Uses
- Polycythemia vera
- Chronic myelogenous leukemia
- Essential thrombocytosis
- Sickle-cell disease (selectively breaks down cells that are prone to sickle, as well as increasing fetal hemoglobin content)
- AIDS as an adjunct to ddI in combination antiretroviral therapies
Dose
500 milligrams once or twice a day, or more if pancytopenia does not develop.
Side effects
Reported side-effects are: drowsiness, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, constipation, mucositis, anorexia, stomatitis, bone marrow toxicity (which may take 7-21 days to recover after the drug has been discontinued), alopecia (hair loss), skin changes, abnormal liver enzymes, creatinine and blood urea nitrogen.
Due to its effect on the bone marrow, regular monitoring of the full blood count is vital, as well as early response to possible infections. In addition, renal function, uric acid and electrolytes, as well as liver enzymes, are commonly checked.
Use in Pregnancy
Category D - investigational or post-marketing data show risk to the fetus. However, potential benefits may outweigh the potential risk. Generally this rating is reserved for drugs with no safer alternatives.
Contraindications
Contraindications are: severe anemia, bone marrow depression or neutropenia.