Merck, H8627-100G, Hydroxyurea

Hydroxyurea is a hydroxylated analog of urea. It is beneficial in increasing fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels, which in turn reduces the frequency of severe crises and the need for blood transfusions in sickle cell anemia patients. Hydroxyurea exhibits cell-cycle specificity for the S phase, leading to cell arrest at G1 to S. This non-alkylating S phase-specific myelosuppressive agent has a mechanism of action that is not specific to platelets.