Monday, March 14, 2011

Hydroxyurea

It is used to treat sickle cell disease.

Mechanism of action:
It is found to promote the level of fetal hemoglobin resulting in the dilution of abnormal hemoglobin S (HbS). This may take a long time of up to many months. As a result slow polymerization of HbS occurs and painful conditions are not developed by the sickle cells which are blocking capillaries and causing inadequate supply of oxygen in tissues.

Therapeutic uses:
It is helpful in relieving pain of patients with sickle cell disease.
It is also used to cure chronic type of myelogenous leukemia and polycythemia vera.

Adverse effects:
It may cause suppression of bone marrow and inflammation of the vessels of the skin.

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