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Absorption -Hydroxyurea is readily absorbed after oral administration. Peak plasma levels are reached in 1 to 4 hours after an oral dose. With increasing doses, disproportionately greater mean peak plasma concentrations and AUCs are observed.
There are no data on the effect of food on the absorption of Hydroxyurea.
Distribution -Hydroxyurea distributes rapidly and widely in the body with an estimated volume of distribution approximating total body water.
Plasma to ascites fluid ratios range from 2:1 to 7.5:1. Hydroxyurea concentrates in leukocytes and erythrocytes.
Metabolism -Up to 60% of an oral dose undergoes conversion through metabolic pathways that are not fully characterized. One pathway is probably saturable hepatic metabolism. Another minor pathway may be degradation by urease found in intestinal bacteria. Acetohydroxamic acid was found in the serum of three leukemic patients receiving Hydroxyurea and may be formed from hydroxylamine resulting from action of urease on Hydroxyurea.
Excretion -Excretion of Hydroxyurea in humans is likely a linear first-order renal process.
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