Hydroxyurea (Hydrea, Droxya)

Photograph of Hydroxyurea (Hydrea, Droxya) under the microscope.

Hydroxyurea is an antineoplastic agent used to treat melanoma, chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML), ovarian tumors, and primary squamous cell (skin) cancer of the head and neck. The drug is also being used as a treatment for sickle cell disease in children, an inherited disorder of the red blood cells. Although the exact mechanism of action of hydroxyurea is unknown, the compound exerts its cytotoxic effects by inhibition of DNA synthesis without affecting RNA or protein synthesis. Side effects include bone marrow depression and gastrointestinal symptoms such as stomatitis, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Dermatological side effects include maculopapular rash, skin ulceration, and facial erythema.

© 1995-2022 by Michael W. Davidson and The Florida State University. All Rights Reserved. No images, graphics, software, scripts, or applets may be reproduced or used in any manner without permission from the copyright holders. Use of this website means you agree to all of the Legal Terms and Conditions set forth by the owners.
This website is maintained by our
Graphics & Web Programming Team
in collaboration with Optical Microscopy at the
National High Magnetic Field Laboratory.
Last modification: Monday, Jul 02, 2018 at 03:22 PM
Access Count Since February 21, 2000: 44074