Hydroxyurea Pharmacology

Hydroxyurea

About Hydroxyurea
Antimetabolite,a ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor, Antineoplastic.
Mechanism of Action of Hydroxyurea
Drug converted into free radical nitroxide invivo, 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, is inactivated. This cause DNA synthesis inhibition selectively and producing cell death in S phase. Repair of DNA damaged by chemicals or irradiation is also inhibited by hydroxyurea.This produces synergistic effect with radiation or alkylating agent.Hydroxyurea also increase the level of fetal Hb, leading to a reduction in the incidence of vasooclussive crisis in sickle cell anaemia.The drug selectively reduces the level of episomal DNA and thus potentially reduces drug resistance associated with duplicated genes retained as episomes.
Pharmacokinets of Hydroxyurea
Absorption- Readily absorbed after oral administration
Distribution- Widely distributed in the body. It crosses the blood brain barrier
Metabolism- Metabolized in the liver to its active and inactive metabolites
Excretion- 50% excreted through urine and others through lungs
Onset of Action for Hydroxyurea
2 hrs
Duration of Action for Hydroxyurea
N/A
Half Life of Hydroxyurea
Its plasma half life is 2-4 hrs
Side Effects of Hydroxyurea
1. Nausea
2. Vomiting
3. Lowered resistance to infection
4. Bruising or unusual bleeding
5. Anemia
6. Weakness
7. Sore in mouth
8. Taste changes
9. Diarrhea
10. Loss of appetite
11. Visual changes
12. Black, tarry stools
13. Blood in urine or in stool
14. Cough or hoarseness
15. Fever
16. Chills
17. Lower back or side pain
18. Painful or difficult urination
19. Pinpoint red spot on skin
20. Slurred speech
21. Swelling on leg or lower leg
22. Hallucinations
23. Dizziness
24. Seizures
25. Fatal Pancreatitis
26. Leucopenia
27. Thrombocytopenia
28. Bone marrow suppression
29. Alopecia
30. Erythema
Contra-indications of Hydroxyurea
1. Hypersensitivity to the drug
2. Bone marrow depression
3. Severe anemia
Special Precautions while taking Hydroxyurea
1. Patients with recent radiation or chemotherapy
2. Premenopausal woman
3. Monitor haematological and renal functions regularly
Pregnancy Related Information
Contraindicated
Old Age Related Information
Use with caution
Breast Feeding Related Information
Contraindicated
Children Related Information
Use with caution
Indications for Hydroxyurea
1. Solid tumors
2. Squamous cell carcinoma
3. Myelocytic leukemia
4. Polycythemia rubra Vera
5. Thrombocytosis
6. Sickle cell disease
7. AIDS (as an adjunct)
8. Ovarian cancer


Interactions for Hydroxyurea
Lab tests: May cause increase in serum uric acid, creatinine and BUN levels.
Typical Dosage for Hydroxyurea
Oral-
Adult-
Chronic myeloid leukemia: 20-30mg/kg/day in single doses
Solid tumors: 80mg/kg as a single dose every 3rd day
Schedule of Hydroxyurea
G
Storage Requirements for Hydroxyurea
Stored at room temperature. Protect from light and moisture
Effects of Missed Dosage of Hydroxyurea
Take the missed dose as soon as noticed and if it is the time for next dose then skip the missed dose. Continue the regular schedule. Do not double the dose
Effects of Overdose of Hydroxyurea
Give supportive and symptomatic treatment. Transfuse the blood components to avoid drug toxicity

Home Delivery for Hydroxyurea in Your City

Medicine India is just a publishing medium for medicine related information and does not provide services or sales of medicines including hydroxyurea.

However, we do publish a comprehensive directory of Pharmacies, Chemists and Druggists in cities all over India. You can use this directory to find the medicine stores in your city (or area) that provide home delivery services for hydroxyurea and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for hydroxyurea may be free or they may cost you depending on the pharmacy and the minimum order requirements. It would be best to get this clarified while placing the order.

Please be aware that you should take hydroxyurea only if a doctor has recommended or prescribed it. Some or all pharmacies who provide a home delivery service for medicines might insist on a prescription for hydroxyurea before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for hydroxyurea with the pharmacy.

Hydroxyurea is a generic medicine name and there are several brands available for it. Some of the brands for hydroxyurea might be better known than hydroxyurea itself. If the pharmacy that's willing to deliver medicines to your home doesn't have hydroxyurea in stock, you can ask for one of the branded alternatives for hydroxyurea.