Hydroxyurea is an antimetabolite that inhibits an enzyme ribonucleoside diphosphate reductase to suppress the synthesis of DNA of, especially, neoplastic cells. Therefore, it can be used in cytotoxic chemotherapy and chronic myeloid leukemia.
Before taking hydroxyurea, it is usually recommended to take Folic Acid before treatment. Hydroxyurea is taken as oral capsules and the dose will be calculated by your doctor based on your weight and white blood cell count. Hydroxyurea should be swallowed as a whole.
Chronic myeloid leukemia
Adult and elderly
The initial dose is 40 mg/kg daily, reduced to 20 mg/kg daily if the white blood cell count falls below 2,000/mm3.
Head and neck cancer
Adult and elderly
1,000 mg every 12 hours for 11 doses per cycle along with fluorouracil and radiotherapy.
Common dosing schedule:
Hydroxyurea is prescribed in institutions, mostly with Folic acid, by the physicians.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Hydroxyurea may interact with:
Hydroxyurea may interact with many other medications. Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Hydroxyurea is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Hydroxyurea in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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