CapsulesClinical Overview
Hydroxyurea / Hydroxycarbamide Capsules (500mg) is an oral ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines. It selectively inactivates the tyrosyl free radical of the M2 subunit of ribonucleotide reductase, blocking conversion of ribonucleotides to deoxyribonucleotides and inhibiting DNA synthesis without interfering with RNA or protein synthesis. In sickle cell disease, it stimulates fetal hemoglobin (HbF) synthesis. Indicated for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in blast phase/cytoreduction, polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, and sickle cell anemia.
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients
Verified Clinical References
Usage Guidelines
Take orally once daily or in divided doses with water, with or without food. Swallow capsules whole; do NOT open, chew, or crush. Patients and caregivers handling capsules should wear gloves or wash hands immediately after touching. Maintain adequate fluid hydration.
General Administration Advice: Adhere strictly to the prescribed dosage, frequency, and treatment course. For oral medications, swallow with sufficient water. Never stop antibiotics, psychiatric medications, or antihypertensives abruptly without clinical direction.
Possible Side Effects
Common: Dose-limiting bone marrow suppression (leukopenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia), cutaneous vasculitic ulcers, hyperpigmentation, stomatitis, nausea. Rare/Severe: Gangrene of extremities, acute pulmonary reactions, and secondary leukemia/skin malignancies.
*Note: Individual physiological responses vary. While many patients experience few or no side effects, notify your treating physician if adverse reactions persist or if hypersensitivity (angioedema, skin rash, dyspnea) occurs.
Precautions & Warnings
Black Box Warning: Severe bone marrow suppression; monitor complete blood counts at baseline and weekly. Black Box Warning: Secondary leukemias and cutaneous malignancies reported with long-term use. Hand-washing or glove use is mandatory when handling capsules. Teratogenic (Category D).
Schedule H (Prescription Required)
This medication is scheduled under statutory drug regulatory frameworks (CDSCO / Drugs & Cosmetics Rules). Dispensing requires a valid medical prescription from a registered medical practitioner. Self-medication or unsupervised dosage adjustment carries significant clinical risks.
Medical Disclaimer: Statutory Clinical Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational and price-transparency purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, oncological diagnosis, or chemotherapy protocol guidance. Cancer therapies require specialized administration under the direct supervision of a registered medical oncologist in an accredited healthcare facility.