Hydroxyurea
Hydrea (hydroxyurea) is an antimetabolite chemotherapy agent used to treat certain cancers including chronic myelogenous leukemia, head and neck cancers, melanoma, and ovarian cancer, as well as blood disorders such as polycythemia vera and essential thrombocythemia. It is also used to reduce the frequency of painful crises in sickle cell disease patients.
Hydrea is a chemotherapy medication used to treat specific cancers and blood disorders by interfering with DNA synthesis in rapidly dividing cells.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 151871
- Generic
- Hydrea
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia, squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck, melanoma, ovarian cancer, polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, and to reduce the frequency of painful crises in sickle cell disease patients.
Hydrea inhibits ribonucleotide reductase, an enzyme essential for converting ribonucleotides to deoxyribonucleotides, thereby interfering with DNA synthesis and inhibiting cell division in rapidly proliferating cells.
Requires regular blood count monitoring due to risk of bone marrow suppression. Contraindicated in pregnancy due to teratogenic effects. May cause drowsiness and should be used with caution in patients with renal impairment. Long-term use may increase risk of secondary malignancies.
Official drug label
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This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy