Any suggestions on what time of day is best for taking Hydroxyurea?

I just looked this up online.

You can take it with food or water. DO NOT take it with any HOT drink, because that will destroy the function of it.

Also, if you are on antibiotics, take it at least two hours before or after your antibiotics, because the antibiotics would kill the good bacteria in the Acidophilus.

Check with your doctor before taking it, but several patients I know take it and it does a world of good for them. Good luck.

@arecchie, welcome. I'm glad that you found something that works for you. I see you are a new member, so I'd like to point you to the Community Guidelines (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/about-connect/tab/community-guidelines/)

Guideline number 1 encourages members to share what works for them, but to refrain from telling other people what they should do. Probiotics come in many different strains, doses and vary in quality. Here's a helpful guide:
- An introduction to probiotics https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/an-introduction-to-probiotics
- How to choose a probiotic https://store.mayoclinic.com/education/probiotics-for-digestive-well-being/

As @janetbender points out, one should always check with their doctor before starting supplements and get a recommendation on what may or may not be right for you. And for @et1055, milk may not be an option. All this to say, everyone is different. Tips are welcome. Be sure they are right for you. Experiences and information shared by members on the Mayo Clinic Connect are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the community.

Back to you @arecchie. What do you find is the benefit of taking Hydrea at night? Was a probiotic suggested for you to help control mouth sores?

Thank you for the tip about mouth sores. My tongue is sore a lot. I did not know it was from the HU. I don’t drink milk so is there another alternative?

I’ve been on 500 mg daily for 14 months.
I tried diff times of the day and settled on dinner time.
After 8 mo I finally adjusted to the side effects and take it late morning.

I see suggested remedies and hope something works for you - but please check with your doctor before trying anything.
My doc had me add D3, iron, and magnesium. And electrolyte sugar free, chemical free powder from Amazon. Everything depends on your bloodwork!

I take 500 mg. of Hydrea per day. Take it at bedtime with a cracker or some kind of snack so you have food in your body to accompany it. Drink a glass of water with it. VERY IMPORTANT

Get Lactobacillus Acidophilus from Amazon or your local Walmart, or where OTC drugs are found. It's about 9 dollars per bottle of 120. I take it regularly.

IMPORTANT: This is great for when you have ulcerations in the mouth and are struggling to get rid of or ward them off. Take 4 capsules, 3 X PER DAY WITH any kind of MILK. It needs the milk to help it culture properly for this specific purpose.

You will have relief in under 24 hours and continue to take them. It will not interfere with the Hydrea you are taking, but it will at least help you cope with one of the side effects of the drug. Every time my tongue starts tingling, I rush and take 4 with milk and do that 2 more times during that day. Stops them in their tracks.

I take at least 4 capsules per day with milk every day - even with no symptoms.

Good luck.

Best of luck to you.

I was told by my pharmacist and hematologist that it didn't matter when I take the hydrea. My first problem was getting the Hydrea dose right for me which took a bit of time. Then I started experimenting on the time of day that worked for me. I found around 6pm with or without food with 2 glasses of water back to back worked well. No more stomach discomfort and maybe it was part attitude because by this time I had quit feeling sorry for myself..Now I take the hydra without gagging and it doesn't bother me to take it, I take my baby asa at the same time without giving it much thought. Please ask all the questions your pondering..I found so many wonderful tips on this site and it reminds us
we're not alone in this journey.

I was told to take my hydrea with plenty of water. If I do that at night, I wake up more often for the bathroom (sometimes happens when we are older) so I switched to morning with my breakfast. Have had no problems inthe last three years.

I also take my HU at 730 every night, about 1 1/2 hours after dinner, with lots of water and sometimes a few spoonfuls of cottage cheese. It works for me. My dr told me to take 2 caps HU at same time every day, so I have my devices set to remind me

I've been taking my daily 600 mgs(Droxia) in the evening, along with my other meds, for the past 6yrs. It has worked for me--lowered my platelets to normal range, while keeping other counts normal, and preventing splenomegaly.

Strange. I take Hydro 500 mg twice a day and have never felt anything different. I was never told to drink lots of water or take at any time that that would be best. I just take it with my morning supplement pills and before bed again with my supplements. But, two years ago my PLT count was 2057 and I was very fatigued, so I started with Hydroxyurea and in Aug 2024 my PLT was down to 671. Not where it's suppose to be but a great improvement!