Hydrea is indicated for the treatment of: Polycythaemia vera Essential thrombocythemia Sickle cell anemia Resistant chronic myeloid leukemia Locally advanced squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck in combination with chemoradiation.
Hydroxyurea is converted to a free radical nitroxide (NO) in vivo, and transported by diffusion into cells where it quenches the tyrosyl free radical at the active site of the M2 protein subunit of ribonucleotide reductase, inactivating the enzyme. The entire replicase complex, including ribonucleotide reductase, is inactivated and DNA synthesis is selectively inhibited, producing cell death in S phase and synchronization of the fraction of cells that survive. Repair of DNA damaged by chemicals or irradiation is also inhibited by hydroxyurea, offering potential synergy between hydroxyurea and radiation or alkylating agents. Hydroxyurea also increases the level of fetal hemoglobin, leading to a reduction in the incidence of vasoocclusive crises in sickle cell anemia. Levels of fetal hemoglobin increase in response to activation of soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) by hydroxyurea-derived NO.
Polycythaemia Vera : Administer 15-20 mg/kg orally once daily. Essential Thrombocythemia : Administer 15 mg/kg orally once daily. Solid Tumors
Always consult a registered doctor before taking any medicine. This information is for general knowledge only.
Fever Feeling very tired Chills Shortness of breath Body aches Bleeding or unexplained bruising
Hydroxyurea is contraindicated in patients who have demonstrated a previous hypersensitivity to hydroxyurea or any other component of the formulation.
Hydrea can enhance toxicity when used alongside antiretroviral drugs and may also interfere with laboratory tests measuring uric acid, urea, or lactic acid levels.
Myelosuppression : Hydrea causes severe myelosuppression. Treatment with Hydrea should not be initiated if bone marrow function is markedly depressed. Bone marrow suppression may occur, and leukopenia is generally its first and most common manifestation. Some patients, treated at the recommended initial dose of 15 mg/kg/day, have experienced severe or life-threatening myelosuppression. Malignancies : Hydrea is a human carcinogen. In patients receiving long-term Hydrea for myeloproliferative disorders, secondary leukemia has been reported. Skin cancer has also been reported in patients receiving long-term Hydrea. Advise protection from sun exposure and monitor for the development of secondary malignancies. Embryo-Fetal Toxicity : Based on the mechanism of action and findings in animals, Hydrea can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman.