Medications for Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell disease represents inherited blood cell disorder that results from abnormal hemoglobin causing deformations of the red blood cell that are shaped like a "sickle." These deformed red blood cells are less able to traverse blood vessels, which results in anemia, stroke, vision, loss, and episodes of severe pain. Patients with sickle cell disease are also more prone to infections.  

Hydroxyurea works to treat sickle cell disease by increasing production of fetal hemoglobin, which reduces the concentration of affected hemoglobin.  Vasculitis and bone marrow suppression can occur.

Pentoxifylline is a medication that makes red blood cells more flexible and reduces the overall viscosity of blood to allow for better blood flow.  

Class Drugs

• Hydroxyurea

• Pentoxifylline

Class Mechanism of Action

See individual drugs

Class Applications

See individual drugs

Class Adverse Effects

See individual drugs

Drug Table

Drug Name	Application	Comments	Image
Hydroxyurea	Sickle cell disease; CML; Polycythemia vera	Mechanism of Action; -Increases fetal hemoglobin levels, which reduces the concentration of HbS; -Effect takes months; Adverse Effects; -Cutaneous vasculitis; -Bone marrow suppression	"Hydro Flask" "Oxygen Tank" "Urine"
Pentoxifylline	Sickle Cell Disease; Peripheral vascular disease with intermittent claudication	Mechanism of Action; -Increases the ability of RBCs to deform making them more flexible. ; -Reduces the viscosity of blood. ; -These effects improve blood flow	"Pen" "Toxic Symbol" "File"