Hydroxyurea in the treatment of HIV-1.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the role of hydroxyurea in the treatment of HIV-1.


METHODS
Published clinical studies using hydroxyurea in HIV treatment were accessed through MEDLINE (January 1994-March 1999) and conference abstracts. All relevant studies were evaluated.


RESULTS
Adherence, expense, and resistance limit the pharmacotherapeutic options in the management of patients with HIV. Hydroxyurea may be an alternative to conventional HIV treatments.


CONCLUSIONS
Several potential advantages of adding hydroxyurea to antiretroviral treatment regimens include the drug's well-documented toxicity, convenient dosing, good tolerability and low cost, and its unique mechanism of action. Hydroxyurea may have synergistic effects that prove promising in initial and salvage therapy antiretroviral regimens. Larger, well-controlled clinical studies are needed to adequately define the role of hydroxyurea in the treatment of HIV.
Gibbs
M A
MA
College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Butler University, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
Sorensen
S J
SJ
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000821:virology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000821:virology; D015497:HIV-1; D006801:Humans; D006918:Hydroxyurea / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019384:Nucleic Acid Synthesis Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D019384:Nucleic Acid Synthesis Inhibitors; D006918:Hydroxyurea