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Home :: Cancer Medicines and Drugs ::
Hydroxyurea
Hydroxyurea
Primary site of action is enzyme ribonucleoside diphosphate reductase. The drug is specific for S phase of the cell cycle and causes cell to arrest at the G1-S interface.
Indications: Chronic myeloid leukaemia. Solid tumours.
Dosage of Hydroxyurea
Chronic myeloid leukaemia: 20-30 mg/ kg/day in single doses.
Solid tumours: 80 mg/kg as a single dose every 3rd day.
Contraindlcatlons of Hydroxyurea
- Marked bone marrow depression,
- severe anaemia,
- pregnancy,
- lactation.
Special precautions with Hydroxyurea
- Periodic hematological monitoring,
- renal & hepatic fumction monitoring;
- recent radiotherapy or cytotoxic therapy;
- elderly & children.
Side effects of Hydroxyurea
- Bone marrow suppression, including megaloblastic changes.
- Erythema caused by irradiation may be exacerbated by hydroxyurea.
- Gastrointestinal disturbances,
- impairment of renal function,
- pulmonary oedema,
- mild dermatological reactions,
- alopecia, and
- neurological reactions.
Drug Interactions of Hydroxyurea
- Risk of hematological toxicity increased with concomitant use of cytarabine.
- Immunization with live, attenuated vaccines can result in manifestations of infection in patients on cytotoxic drugs.
- CNS depressants enhance the drowsiness side effect of hydroxyurea.
Cancer Tip |
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) has been called the most important tumor marker in oncology. Certainly in prostate cancer, it has revolutionized our ability to detect the disease early, as well as follow the course of the disease in patients after being treated with different therapies.
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Health Tip |
A headache diary will help you keep track of the amount of medication you are taking and the frequency with which headaches occur.
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