Sickle cell anemia refers to a chronic condition in which the red blood cells within the body become sickled in shape. Typically, red blood cells carry oxygen. So, with a change in their shape, the body may not receive enough oxygen. The Mayo Clinic says that signs of sickle cell anemia include a low red blood cell count, episodic pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes and visual problems.
Hydroxyurea
Hydroxyurea, commonly sold as Droxia or Hydrea, is a medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as antineoplastic agents. MedlinePlus says that hydroxyurea treats such diseases as sickle cell disease, melanoma, chronic myelocytic leukemia and ovarian cancer. Hydroxyurea's less concerning side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, constipation and nausea. Some of its serious side effects include mouth or skin sores, a rash and swelling of the ankles, legs, feet or ankles. Notify a doctor when hydroxyurea leads to these effects. Taking such drugs as didanosine, stavudine and probenicid may require a decrease in hydroxyurea's side effects. Hydroxyurea is a tablet taken daily or as prescribed.
Penicillin
Penicillin, commonly sold as PC Pen VK or Pen-V, is an antibiotic medication taken to prevent infections in children who may suffer from pneumonia. The Mayo Clinic says that children with sickle cell disease start taking penicillin at 2 years of age and continue taking this medication until they are 5 years old. Drugs.com says that penicillin's less serious side effects include stomach pain, nausea, a headache and white patches in the throat or mouth. Penicillin's serious side effects include easy bleeding or bruising, confusion, agitation, seizures and body aches. Phone a doctor when penicillin leads to these side effects. Suffering from asthma, kidney disease, diarrhea and a bleeding or blood clotting disorder may require a decrease in penicillin's dose. This medication is a tablet, liquid or injection taken daily or as prescribed.
Aspirin
Aspirin is a pain reliever taken to decrease the pain of a sickle cell crisis. Drugs.com says that aspirin belongs to the class of medications called salicylates. It decreases substances called prostaglandins which lead to pain, inflammation and a fever. Aspirin's less concerning side effects include a headache, drowsiness and heartburn. Some of aspirin's serious side effects include black or bloody stools, hearing problems, coughing up blood and a fever. Suffering from asthma, gout, nasal polyps and high blood pressure may require a decrease in aspirin's dose. Aspirin is a tablet taken as needed for pain.
