hydroxyurea

drug

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Last updated

June 29, 2026

Quick Summary

Hydroxyurea is a drug used to treat myeloproliferative disorders, such as polycythemia vera and malignant tumors. It is also used to treat sickle cell anemia by increasing the production of fetal hemoglobin, which does not sickle. This helps to reduce the frequency and severity of sickle cell crises.12

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drug
Anticancer drugs
Hydroxyurea inhibits the enzyme ribonucleotide reductase, an important element in DNA synthesis. It is used to reduce the high granulocyte count found in chronic myelocytic leukemia. Asparaginase breaks down the amino acid asparagine to aspartic acid and ammonia. Some cancer cells, particularly in certain forms…
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Hydroxyurea inhibits the enzyme ribonucleotide reductase, an important element in DNA synthesis. It is used to reduce the high granulocyte count found in chronic myelocytic leukemia. Asparaginase breaks down the amino acid asparagine to aspartic acid and ammonia. Some cancer cells, particularly in certain forms…
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sickle cell anemia
Treatment
The drug hydroxyurea reduces the principal symptoms of sickle cell anemia. Hydroxyurea apparently activates a gene that triggers the body’s production of fetal hemoglobin. This type of hemoglobin, which is ordinarily produced in large amounts only by infants shortly before and after birth, does not sickle. Hydroxyurea…
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The drug hydroxyurea reduces the principal symptoms of sickle cell anemia. Hydroxyurea apparently activates a gene that triggers the body’s production of fetal hemoglobin. This type of hemoglobin, which is ordinarily produced in large amounts only by infants shortly before and after birth, does not sickle. Hydroxyurea…
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