Hydroxycarbamide
Hydroxycarbamide, also known as hydroxyurea, is a medication used in sickle-cell disease, essential thrombocythemia, chronic myelogenous leukemia, polycythemia vera, and cervical cancer. In sickle-cell disease it increases fetal hemoglobin and decreases the number of attacks. It is taken by mouth.
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| Trade names | Droxia, Hydrea, Siklos, others |
| Other names | Hydroxyurea (USAN US) |
| AHFS/Drugs.com | Monograph |
| MedlinePlus | a682004 |
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| Routes of administration | By mouth |
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| Metabolism | Liver (to CO2 and urea) |
| Elimination half-life | 2–4 hours |
| Excretion | Kidney and lungs |
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| ECHA InfoCard | 100.004.384 |
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| Formula | CH4N2O2 |
| Molar mass | 76.055 g·mol−1 |
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| Melting point | 133 to 136 °C (271 to 277 °F) |
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Common side effects include bone marrow suppression, fevers, loss of appetite, psychiatric problems, shortness of breath, and headaches. There is also concern that it increases the risk of later cancers. Use during pregnancy is typically harmful to the fetus. Hydroxycarbamide is in the antineoplastic family of medications. It is believed to work by blocking the making of DNA.
Hydroxycarbamide was approved for medical use in the United States in 1967. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. Hydroxycarbamide is available as a generic medication.