Hydroxyurea
Also known as: Hydroxycarbamide
Hydroxyurea is anticancer drug, also called antineoplastic agent. Hydroxyurea is an analog of urea. Hydroxyurea is effective in the treatment of different cancers to slow or stop the abnormally growing cells. Hydroxyurea is used in combination with different anticancer drugs to obtain best therapeutic effects and to reduce toxicity or side effects. Hydroxyurea is administered orally.
Primary Characteristics
Hydroxyurea is also known as Hydroxycarbamide.
It is of Synthetic origin and belongs to Amino Ketone.
It belongs to Ribonucleoside diphosphate reductase inhibitor pharmacological group on the basis of mechanism of action and also classified in Antineoplastic Agnet, Antimetabolite pharmacological group.
Molecular Weight: 76.06 · Solubility in Water: > 1 in 10 · Solubility in Alcohol: > 1 in 1000 · Non-proprietary name: Hydroxyurea.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Hydroxyurea has an oral bioavailability is 70% (±10%).
Distribution: Hydroxyurea has a volume of distribution is 19.7l/metersquare. plasma protein binding is Negligible.
Elimination: it is metabolised via Hepatic and ria GI ract 50%, plasma half-life is 3-4 hr, renal excretion is >80%.
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Indications
Hydroxyurea is primarily indicated in conditions like Acute leukemia, Beta thalassaemia, Brain tumors, Chronic myeloid leukaemia, Myeloproliferative disorders, Polycythemia vera, Sickle cell anaemia, Solid tumor.
Hydroxyurea is also indicated for secondary conditions like Psoriasis, Viral infection.
Contraindications
Hydroxyurea is contraindicated in conditions like Anaemia, Thrombocytopenia, Leukopenia.
Dosage
Hydroxyurea's dosage details are as follows:
| Dose | Single Dose | Frequency | Route | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Dosage | ||||
| 25 mg/kg/c | 25 mg/kg/c | Every 24h | PO | |
| 2250 mg/m3 | 2250 mg/m3 | Every 24h | Topical | Every 4-6 weeks, |
| Paediatric Dosage (20kg) | ||||
| No data. | ||||
| Neonatal Dosage (3kg) | ||||
| No data. | ||||
Drug Interactions
Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.
Side Effects
Hydroxyurea in overdosage may give rise to further complications which include Fever , Hyperuricemia, Eelvated hepatic enzymes , Malaise , Dysuria , Impaired renal tubular function , Increased blood urea nitrogen , Increased creatinine , Chills .
Hydroxyurea produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Anemia, Bone marrow suppression, Thrombocytopenia , Leucopenia , Edema, Anemia. Careful monitoring is needed with proper medical management.
The signs and symptoms that are produced after acute overdosage of Hydroxyurea are Disorientation , Hallucinations , Mylosuppresion, Facial swelling.
Hydroxyurea is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Alopecia, Anorexia , Constipation , Convulsions , Diarrhea, Disorientation, dizziness, Drowsiness, Erythema, Hallucination , Melena, Nausea and vomiting, Rashes , StomatitisX.
Warnings / Precautions
Interference in Pathology
Hydroxyurea may interfere in the diagnosis of Monitoring of hematologic profile.
Available Brands
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Single Ingredient
Storage Conditions
Drug Classification
- 1.8.2 — Cytotoxic (anti-neoplastic) drugs