Hydroxyurea Medac

Hydroxycarbamide, the active ingredient in Hydroxyurea Medac, is a ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor presented as an oral formulation for oral use. It is employed to manage sickle cell disease, chronic myelogenous leukemia, polycythemia vera and essential thrombocythemia in adult patients.

GNH USA supplies Hydroxyurea Medac as a licensed, GDP‑compliant international pharmaceutical supplier serving hospitals, oncology centres and pharmacies worldwide.

Hydroxyurea is used in hematologic disorders that involve abnormal cell proliferation or sickling of red blood cells. - Sickle cell disease: reduces frequency of painful crises and improves hemoglobin levels. - Chronic myelogenous leukemia: slows disease progression by inhibiting leukemic cell growth. - Polycythemia vera: decreases red blood cell mass and helps control hematocrit. - Essential thrombocythemia: lowers platelet counts and reduces thrombotic risk.

Hydroxyurea may cause a range of adverse reactions, from mild to severe.

Common Side Effects: - Myelosuppression: anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia. - Gastrointestinal upset: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. - Skin changes: hyperpigmentation, rash. - Alopecia: hair thinning or loss. - Mild fever or malaise.

Serious or Rare Side Effects: - Severe bone‑marrow suppression leading to infection or bleeding. - Renal impairment or acute kidney injury. - Hepatotoxicity with elevated liver enzymes. - Life‑threatening cutaneous reactions (e.g., Stevens‑Johnson syndrome). - Teratogenic effects causing fetal harm. - Rare pulmonary toxicity.

Hydroxyurea requires careful monitoring and patient education before and during therapy. - Blood count monitoring: perform complete blood counts regularly to detect cytopenias. - Renal/hepatic function: adjust dose in patients with impaired kidney or liver function. - Pregnancy risk: avoid use in pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks; ensure effective contraception. - Breastfeeding: contraindicated as drug is excreted in milk. - Pre‑existing bone‑marrow disorders: use with caution and close hematologic surveillance. - Store at room temperature: keep in original container, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Hydroxyurea can interact with other medicines, altering its safety or effectiveness.

Major Interactions (Avoid): - Concurrent myelosuppressive chemotherapy: may cause profound cytopenias. - Live vaccines: increased risk of infection due to immunosuppression. - Zidovudine or other antiretrovirals: additive bone‑marrow suppression.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely): - NSAIDs: may increase risk of renal toxicity. - Phenytoin: may reduce hydroxyurea plasma levels, decreasing efficacy. - High‑dose vitamin C: can increase hydroxyurea absorption and toxicity. - Allopurinol: may enhance hematologic toxicity. - Sulfonamides: potential for increased myelosuppression.