Hydronix

500 mg

Active Ingredient:

• Hydroxyurea 500 mg (capsule) 

Drug Class:

• Antineoplastic (cytotoxic) chemotherapy

Mechanism of Action:

• Hydroxyurea is converted in vivo to a nitroxide free radical, inhibiting ribonucleotide reductase. This blocks DNA synthesis, causing cell death in rapidly dividing cells and also stimulates fetal hemoglobin synthesis.

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🔍 Approved Indications

Used for:

• Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), including resistant forms

• Locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (when combined with chemoradiation)

• Essential thrombocythemia and polycythemia vera

• Sickle cell anemia—to reduce painful crises and need for transfusion

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📋 Dosage & Administration

Dosage depends on the condition:

Treatment should be personalized and monitored by a physician.

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⚠️ Contraindications & Precautions

• Severe bone marrow suppression (e.g., WBC < 3,000/mm³ or platelets < 100,000/mm³)

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding (FDA Pregnancy Category D) 

• History of hypersensitivity to hydroxyurea

Precautions:

• Regular blood counts to monitor for myelosuppression

• Avoid live vaccines during treatment

• Monitor kidney, liver, and uric acid levels 

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⛑️ Side Effects

Common:

• GI disturbance (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), rash, hyperpigmentation, alopecia

• Myelosuppression (low blood cell counts) 

Less common/Serious:

• Headache, dizziness, hallucinations, pulmonary issues, renal failure, secondary malignancies (e.g., leukemia, skin cancer)

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📦 Packaging & Availability

• Available as 500 mg capsules, typically in packs (e.g., 7×4’s or 28s), priced around ৳18–72 depending on region

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✅ Summary

• Generic name: Hydroxyurea

• Strength: 500 mg capsule

• Class: Cytotoxic chemotherapy

• Indications: CML, head/neck cancer, sickle cell anemia, polycythemia vera, thrombocythemia

• Key notes: Requires medical supervision, blood monitoring, and caution in pregnancy