ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/hydroxyurea
US brand names:Hydrea, Droxia
Hydroxyurea is dosed at 25 mg/kg PO 3 times weekly (q48-72h) in cats, per BSAVA Small Animal Formulary 10th Ed, Part A (Canine and Feline), Hydroxycarbamide (Hydroxyurea), DOSES - Cats, corpus p.215 (printed p.199). Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Inhibits ribonucleotide reductase, blocking conversion of ribonucleotides to deoxyribonucleotides. S-phase specific. Reduces elevated cell counts rapidly.
Myelosuppression is dose-dependent and predictable. Monitor CBC weekly initially. Megaloblastic changes expected. Used for polycythemia vera, CML, and meningioma in dogs and cats.
Species references:All Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugs
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 2 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cat (Domestic) | PO | 25 mg/kg | 3 times weekly (q48-72h) | Moderate | BSAVA Small Animal Formulary 10th Ed, Part A (Canine and Feline), Hydroxycarbamide (Hydroxyurea), DOSES - Cats, corpus p.215 (printed p.199) |
| Dog (Domestic) | PO | 50–60 mg/kg | q24h initially, then taper to every other day | Moderate | Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology, 5th Ed (2013) - held; rule cites 6th Ed - corpus p.186 (printed p.172), Ch.11; corroborated by Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook 10th Ed, corpus p.656 (printed p.629), DOGS: 30-60 mg/kg PO once daily |
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View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.