Hydroxyurea
Also known as: Hydrea, Droxia, Mylocel, Dacrodil, Droxiurea, Hydrine, Litalir, Medroxyurea, Neodrea, Onco-Carbide, Oxeron, Syrea
> **CHEMOTHERAPY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS**: This is an anti-cancer drug. Wear disposable gloves when handling the medication and when cleaning up your pet's urine, feces, or vomit. Pregnant women or individuals trying to conceive should **not** handle this medication. * **Administration**: Give exactly as prescribed by your veterinarian. Do not open, crush, or split capsules unless specifically instructed to do so. * **Side Effects**: Watch for loss of appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea. Contact your vet immediately if you notice unusual bleeding, bruising, lethargy, or signs of infection. * **Nail Changes**: This medication may cause your pet's nails to become brittle or slough off. * **Cats**: Cats are highly sensitive to this drug. Watch closely for breathing difficulties or blue/brown gums, which are medical emergencies.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Polycythemia vera; chronic myelogenous leukemia
- Polycythemia vera
- Polycythemia vera
- Polycythemia vera; chronic myelogenous leukemia
- Polycythemia vera
- Polycythemia vera
- Polycythemia vera
- Chronic myelogenous leukemia
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Bone marrow depression (anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia)
- GI effects (anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea)
- Stomatitis
- Sloughing of nails
- Alopecia
- Dysuria
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Methemoglobinemia (especially in cats at high doses >500 mg)
Cautions & contraindications
- Pre-existing severe anemia or bone marrow depression
- History of urate stones
- Current severe infection
- Impaired renal function
- Patients who have recently received other chemotherapy or radiotherapy
- Pregnancy (proven teratogen)
- > **Warning**: Hydroxyurea is a known teratogen and can suppress gonadal function (arrest of spermatogenesis noted in dogs). Use only during pregnancy when benefits outweigh risks. Nursing animals should receive milk replacer. * **Myelotoxicity**: If bone marrow depression occurs, halt therapy until values return to normal. * **Feline Sensitivity**: Cats are at higher risk for bone marrow toxicity and methemoglobinemia; monitor closely.
Drug interactions
- Bone marrow depressant drugs (e.g., chloramphenicol, flucytosine, amphotericin B, colchicine, other antineoplastics): May cause additive myelosuppression when used concurrently with hydroxyurea.
- Allopurinol: Hydroxyurea may raise serum uric acid levels; allopurinol may be required to control hyperuricemia.
Frequently asked questions
What is Hydroxyurea used for in pets?
> **CHEMOTHERAPY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS**: This is an anti-cancer drug. Wear disposable gloves when handling the medication and when cleaning up your pet's urine, feces, or vomit. Pregnant women or individuals trying to conceive should **not** handle this medication. * **Administration**: Give exactly as prescribed by your veterinarian. Do not open, crush, or split capsules unless specifically instructed to do so. * **Side Effects**: Watch for loss of appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea. Contact your vet immediately if you notice unusual bleeding, bruising, lethargy, or signs of infection. * **Nail Changes**: This medication may cause your pet's nails to become brittle or slough off. * **Cats**: Cats are highly sensitive to this drug. Watch closely for breathing difficulties or blue/brown gums, which are medical emergencies.
Is Hydroxyurea safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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