Osmosis video - Ribonucleotide reductase inhibitors

Ribonucleotide reductase inhibitors are a class of drugs that act by blocking an enzyme called ribonucleotide reductase. They are mainly used as anticancer agents that target DNA synthesis and cell growth. Ribonucleotide reductase inhibitors include drugs like hydroxyurea, fludarabine phosphate, and gemcitabine. Hydroxyurea is used for the treatment of myeloproliferative disorders and sickle cell disease; Fludarabine phosphate is used for leukemias and lymphomas; whereas gemcitabine is used for a variety of carcinomas and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Common side effects include myelosuppression, gastrointestinal disturbances, pulmonary toxicity, and liver toxicity.