Hydroxyurea

(Syn hydroxycarbamide [as the recommended international non-proprietary name], Hydrea® and other brand names); an oral antineoplastic drug that inhibits DNA synthesis, used in the treatment of a variety of malignancies and to prevent complications in sickle cell disease and thalassemia.

Description
Hydroxyurea is used in the treatment of cancers, such as melanoma, chronic myelocytic leukemia and carcinoma of the ovary, and is also employed as an antiretroviral agent (e.g., against HIV). Its mechanism of action is believed to be based on its inhibition of the enzyme ribonucleotide reductase by scavenging tyrosyl free radicals as they are involved in the reduction of NDPs. Since the mid-90s it has revolutionized the treatment and prognosis of patients with sickle cell disease, as it has been shown to be very effective in reducing the frequency and severity of painful vasoocclusive crises and acute chest syndrome episodes and to improve survival. Studies in Europe have shown its efficiency at low doses (10–15 mg per kilogram of body weight daily) and no need to escalate to subtoxic dosages as initially scheduled in USA in the aim to achieve the maximum of hemoglobin F induction. Syn hydroxycarbamide