Hydrourea 500mg 100 Capsules

Doctors adjust the dose based on regular blood count monitoring.

Hydrourea 500mg Capsule Ingredients and Usage

Hydrourea 500mg Capsule contains hydroxyurea, an antimetabolite belonging to the ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor drug class. Doctors prescribe it for sickle cell disease to reduce painful crises, acute chest syndrome, and the need for blood transfusions in children from 9 months of age and in adults.

Hydrourea 500mg Capsule also treats chronic myeloid leukemia and myeloproliferative disorders including polycythemia vera and essential thrombocythemia. Regular blood count monitoring guides dose adjustment for all indications.

How Does Hydrourea 500mg Capsule Work?

Hydroxyurea inhibits ribonucleotide reductase, an enzyme that cells need to convert ribonucleotides into the building blocks of DNA. This blocks DNA synthesis specifically in cells that are actively dividing, arresting them in the S phase of the cell cycle.

In sickle cell disease, Hydrourea 500mg Capsule triggers a period of stress erythropoiesis that increases fetal hemoglobin production, which reduces sickling of red blood cells. In leukemia and myeloproliferative disorders, this same DNA synthesis block slows the overproduction of abnormal blood cells.

Hydrourea 500mg Capsule Side Effects

Hydrourea 500mg Capsule commonly causes blood count changes, since myelosuppression is an expected and monitored effect of treatment.

• Low white blood cell count

• Low platelet count

• Anemia

• Nausea

• Skin rash and hyperpigmentation

• Nail changes

• Headache

Warnings

• Hydrourea 500mg Capsule carries a boxed warning for severe myelosuppression; complete blood counts must be checked before starting treatment and every two weeks during dose adjustment.

• The medicine can cause skin ulcers and, rarely, gangrene, particularly in patients with a history of leg ulcers or prior interferon therapy; report any new skin sores promptly.

• Long-term use in myeloproliferative disorders carries a theoretical risk of secondary leukemia; discuss this risk with a specialist for extended treatment courses.

• Hydrourea 500mg Capsule is contraindicated in pregnancy due to demonstrated teratogenic effects; effective contraception is required during treatment for both men and women.

• Avoid combining with other myelosuppressive agents or radiation therapy without specialist guidance, since this increases the risk of severe pancytopenia.

• Avoid combining with antiretroviral nucleoside analogues such as didanosine or stavudine, since this combination significantly raises the risk of fatal pancreatitis and liver toxicity.

• Avoid live vaccines during treatment, since hydroxyurea suppresses the immune system and increases infection risk.

Hydrourea 500mg Capsule Storage Conditions

Store Hydrourea 500mg Capsule at room temperature around 25°C, in a tightly closed container away from excessive heat. Keep capsules in their original packaging until the dose is due. Store this medicine out of reach of children and dispose of any expired or unused capsules according to local guidelines for cytotoxic agents.