Abstract: Methods for administering compounds provide a rapid treatment for sickle cell disease (SCD) to inhibit or reverse red blood cell sickling. The compounds are a group of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) analogs modified to increase water-solubility. The compounds can be formulated in an aqueous carrier and administered intravenously for immediate uptake into red blood cells (RBCs) within hours, rather than days or weeks. In vitro experiments demonstrated rapid uptake into RBCs and increased O2 affinity of HbS to an equilibrium point within 30 to 90 minutes. The compounds have a desired level of safety as well as a short half-life, both of which are compatible with acute usage. Thus, the methods of treatment rapidly achieve therapeutic steady-state drug levels, making it possible to deliver a treatment in critical emergency care situations to prevent, reverse and otherwise treat acute sickling or anemia.