Hydroxyurea
Cytostatic · DNA-reactive cytotoxic
Indications
Chronic myeloid leukaemia; melanoma; recurrent, metastatic or inoperable carcinoma of the ovary. Sickle-cell disease.
Dosage
Adults: Solid Tumours: Intermittent: 80 mg/kg as a single dose every 3 day. Continuous: 20-30 mg/kg every day. Resistant CML: 20-30 mg/kg every day. Sickle-cell disease: Initially 15 mg/kg daily, increased in steps of 2.5-5 mg/kg daily, dose to be increased every 12 wks according to response. Usual dose: 15-30 mg/kg daily, max 35 mg/kg/day.
Adverse Effects
Oedema, drowsiness, hallucinations, headache, dizziness, fever, chills, pruritus, rash, hyperuricaemia, GI upsets, dysuria, myelosuppression, liver enzyme elevation, peripheral neuropathy, renal impairment, dyspnoea, pulmonary fibrosis.
Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)
Pregnancy: Positive evidence of risk: Use only when no safer alternative exists for a serious problem. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Contraindications: Marked bone marrow depression; severe anaemia. Precautions: Haematological monitoring including bone marrow; monitor hepatic and renal function; recent X-ray or cytostatic therapy; pre-menopausal women.
Interactions
Cytarabine, didanosine, stavudine.
Advice to Patient
Take as advised by prescriber. Capsule contents may be mixed with a glass of water and taken. Contact prescriber if there is skin rash, irritation, redness, skin sores, mouth sores, abdominal pain, severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, difficulty in urination, severe fever or chills, increased confusion, depression, hallucinations, seizures, lethargy, unusual fatigue, unhealed sores, white plaques in mouth, vaginal discharge, easy bruising or bleeding, blood in vomit/stool/urine, unusual weakness, muscle tremors. Avoid highly crowded places to prevent infection. Do not get vaccinated without consulting prescriber.
Pharmacokinetics
In pediatric patients, large interpatient variability and phenotypic differences have been reported. Onset: Sickle cell anemia: Fetal haemoglobin increase: 4 to 12 weeks. Absorption: Readily absorbed (=80%); relatively rapid. Metabolism: Up to 60% via hepatic metabolism and urease found in intestinal bacteria. Bioavailability: Approx 100%. Half-life elimination: 1.9 to 3.9 hours. Children: Sickle cell anemia: 1.7 hours (range: 0.7 to 3 hours). Time to Peak: Children: “Fast” phenotype: 15 to 30 minutes; "Slow" phenotype: 60 to 120 minutes; Adults: 1 to 4 hours. Excretion: Urine (sickle cell anemia: Approx 40% of administered dose).
Brands with this active ingredient
Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →
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