1. A synthetic organic compound used as an anticancer and antimicrobial medication, particularly in the treatment of sickle cell disease and certain leukemias.
Usage: medical/pharmaceutical term; also called hydroxycarbamide in some regions

Examples

• Hydroxyurea is commonly prescribed to reduce the frequency of vaso-occlusive crises in sickle cell patients.
• The drug hydroxyurea works by inhibiting ribonucleotide reductase, an enzyme essential for DNA synthesis.
• Patients taking hydroxyurea require regular blood tests to monitor for potential side effects.
• Hydroxyurea has been shown to increase fetal hemoglobin levels in individuals with sickle cell disease.
• The FDA approved hydroxyurea for treating chronic myeloid leukemia in the 1960s.