Drug Groups

approved

Description

An antineoplastic agent that inhibits DNA synthesis through the inhibition of ribonucleoside diphosphate reductase. [PubChem]

Indication

For management of melanoma, resistant chronic myelocytic leukemia, and recurrent, metastatic, or inoperable carcinoma of the ovary and Sickle-cell anemia.

Pharmacology

Hydroxyurea has dose-dependent synergistic activity with cisplatin in vitro. In vivo Hydroxyurea showed activity in combination with cisplatin against the LX-1 and CALU-6 human lung xenografts, but minimal activity was seen with the NCI-H460 or NCI-H520 xenografts. Hydroxyurea was synergistic with cisplatin in the Lewis lung murine xenograft. Sequential exposure to Hydroxyurea 4 hours before cisplatin produced the greatest interaction.

Toxicity

Oral, mouse: LD₅₀ = 7330 mg/kg; Oral, rat: LD₅₀ = 5760 mg/kg
Teratogenicity: Teratogenic effects have occurred in experimental animals.Hydroxyurea use during a small number of human pregnancies has been reported. Adverse effects have not been observed in any of the exposed newborns.
Reproductive Effects: Adverse reproductive effects have occurred in experimental animals.
Mutagenicity: Mutagenic effects have occurred in experimental animals.Mutagenic effects have occurred in humans.

Affected Organisms

Biotransformation

Hepatic.

Absorption

Well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.

Half Life

3-4 hours

Elimination

Renal excretion is a pathway of elimination.

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