Hydroxyurea Benefits & Uses

Hydroxyurea is used to treat the following -

Other Benefits

Head and neck cancer

Hydroxyurea Dosage & How to Take

This is the usual dosage recommended in most common treatment cases. Please remember that every patient and their case is different, so the dosage can be different based on the disease, route of administration, patient's age and medical history.

Find the right dosage based on disease and age

Age Group	Dosage
Adult	Disease: Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) Before or After Meal: After Meal Single Maximum Dose: 30 mg/kg Dosage Form: Capsule Dosage Route: Oral Frequency: 1 daily Course Duration: As directed by the doctor Special Instructions: As prescribed by the doctor
Geriatric	Disease: Sickle Cell Disease Before or After Meal: After Meal Single Maximum Dose: 15 mg/kg Dosage Form: Capsule Dosage Route: Oral Frequency: 1 daily Course Duration: As directed by the doctor Special Instructions: Dose may increased up to 5 mg/kg after 12 weeks of treatment

Hydroxyurea Side Effects

Based on research, the following side effects have been observed when Hydroxyurea is used -

Severe

Decreased white blood cell count (neutrophils)
Nausea or vomiting
Anemia (Read More - Home Remedies for Anaemia)
Headache

Moderate

Constipation (Read More - Home remedies for constipation)
Infection
Weight gain

Common

Chills
Fever (Read More - Home remedies for fever)
Cough
Back Pain
Pain with urination

Hydroxyurea Related Warnings

Is the use of Hydroxyurea safe for pregnant women?

Hydroxyurea should not be taken during pregnancy, or should only be taken on the advice of a doctor as it may have severe side effects.

Severe
Is the use of Hydroxyurea safe during breastfeeding?

Taking Hydroxyurea may lead to serious side effects if you are breastfeeding. Hydroxyurea should not be taken by breastfeeding women unless prescribed by the doctor.

Severe
What is the effect of Hydroxyurea on the Kidneys?

Hydroxyurea can have moderate side effects on the kidney. If you notice any harmful effects, stop taking this drug right away. Consult your doctor before using this medicine again.

Moderate
What is the effect of Hydroxyurea on the Liver?

Hydroxyurea can have moderate side effects on the liver. If you notice any harmful effects then stop taking this drug right away. Consult your doctor before using this medicine again.

Moderate
What is the effect of Hydroxyurea on the Heart?

Side effects of Hydroxyurea rarely affect the heart.

Mild

Severe Interaction of Hydroxyurea with Other Drugs

Hydroxyurea should not be taken with following medicines due to severe side effects it may cause to patients -

Severe

Clozapine

Adalimumab

Etanercept

Moderate

Digoxin

Ganciclovir

Interferon Alpha 2B

Hydroxyurea Contraindications

If you are suffering from any of the following diseases, you should not take Hydroxyurea unless your doctor advises you to do so -

Anemia
Neutropenia
Blood Cancer
Kidney Disease
Infertility

Frequently asked Questions about Hydroxyurea

Is this Hydroxyurea habit forming or addictive?

Hydroxyurea is not addictive in nature.

No
Is it safe to drive or operate heavy machinery when consuming?

After taking Hydroxyurea you may feel sleepy. So it is not advised to perform these activities.

Dangerous
Is it safe?

Hydroxyurea is safe but it is important to consult a doctor before taking it.

Safe, but take only on Doctor's advise
Is it able to treat mental disorders?

No, Hydroxyurea cannot treat any kind of mental disorder.

No

Hydroxyurea Interactions with Food and Alcohol

Interaction between Food and Hydroxyurea

Taking Hydroxyurea with food does not cause any problems.

Safe
Interaction between Alcohol and Hydroxyurea

It is difficult to say anything about the effect of Hydroxyurea and alcohol. No research has been done on this yet.

Unknown

See all substitutes for Hydroxyurea

This medicine data has been created by -

Vikas Chauhan

B.Pharma, Pharmacy
5 Years of Experience

References

KD Tripathi. [link]. Seventh Edition. New Delhi, India: Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers; 2013: Page No 868

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) [Internet]. Maryland. USA; Package leaflet information for the user; Hydrea (hydroxyurea)

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) [Internet]. Maryland. USA; Package leaflet information for the user; Droxia® (hydroxyurea)

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) [Internet]. Maryland. USA; Package leaflet information for the user; Siklos (hydroxyurea)

Hydroxyurea Capsule