Double, suicidal intoxication with hydroxycarbamide--a case report.

Hydroxycarbamide (HCB), also known as hydroxyurea, is an urea derivative used mainly as antineoplastic and antisickling agent. We described a 31 yrs. female, with essential thrombocythemia, who was admitted to our clinic because of double suicidal ingestion of hydroxycarbamide. First time it was 7.5 g of HCB with coingestion of 50 mg of diazepam, and several glasses of wine, second time it was 10 g of HCB, with coingestion of 100 mg paroxetine and few glasses of vodka. Both suicidal attempts were triggered by multiple reactive factors. At the time of admissions the patient was conscious, restless, with decreased mood. Transient decrease of total leukocyte count was noted on fourth day of first overdose. The second overdose led to no significant changes in blood count. There were no other abnormalities in biochemical results. According to the best of our knowledge this is the first report of acute suicidal intoxication with hydroxy-carbamide in an adult.