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Urea topical
Generic name: urea topical
Brand names: Aluvea, Carb-O-Philic/10, Cerovel, Dermasorb XM, Hydro 35, Keralac, Kerol, Remeven, Umecta, Utopic, X-Viate, Gordons Urea, Epimide 50, Atrac-Tain, Rea-Lo, Rea-Lo Lotion, Gormel, Gormel 10, Urea Rea, Aqua Care
What is urea topical?
There are many brands and forms of urea topical available, and not all brands are mentioned in this leaflet.
Urea topical (for the skin) is used to soften rough or dry skin caused by skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, keratosis, and others. Urea topical is also used to soften damaged fingernails or toenails so they can be removed without surgery.
Urea topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
How should I use urea topical?
Urea topical comes in many forms, including cream, lotion, ointment, liquid, gel, foam, shampoo, and others, for use on the skin or scalp. Use this medicine exactly as it says on the label or as your doctor prescribes. Do not use more or less than directed, or for longer than recommended.
Do not take this medicine by mouth. Urea topical is only for use on the skin. If it gets in your eyes, nose, mouth, rectum, or vagina, rinse with water.
Use a mild soap or cleanser to wash the area of skin or nails you will treat. Urea topical may work better if the skin or nail is slightly damp before you apply the medicine.
Apply a thin layer of this medicine to the affected area and rub it in completely.
When applying urea topical to nails, avoid getting any medicine on the cuticles or surrounding skin. Apply generously to the nail and let it dry. You may cover the nail with a bandage or gauze if your doctor recommends it. The treated nail should be easy to remove after several days.
Shake the urea topical foam well just before each use. Other forms of this medicine may also need to be shaken before use. Follow all instructions on the medicine label.
Wash your hands with soap and water after applying this medicine, unless you are treating the skin on your hands.
Contact your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen while using urea topical.
Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the medicine container tightly closed when not in use.
Keep the foam canister away from open flames or high heat. The canister may explode if it gets too hot. Do not puncture or burn an empty foam canister.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
Warnings
Follow all instructions on your medicine label and package. Inform each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you are taking.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use urea topical if you are allergic to it.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known if urea topical will harm an unborn baby. Do not use urea topical without a doctor's advice if you are pregnant.
It is not known if urea topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
Urea topical side effects
Get emergency medical help if you notice any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; trouble breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Urea topical may lead to serious side effects. Stop using urea topical and call your doctor immediately if you experience:
- severe redness or irritation of the treated skin.
Common side effects of urea topical may include:
- mild itching; or
- mild burning or stinging.
This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may happen. Call your doctor for advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
Urea topical dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Dermatological Disorders:
Urea 30% foam:Urea 35% foam:Urea 35% lotion:Urea 39% cream:Urea 40% foam:Urea 42% foam:Urea 45% emulsion:Urea 45% solution:Urea 50% emulsion:Urea 50% ointment:Urea 50% suspension:Apply to affected skin twice/day.Urea 40% emulsion:Urea 40% suspension:Urea 42% pad:Urea 45% gel:Urea 50% cream:Urea 50% gel:Apply to nail tissue or affected skin twice/day.Urea 50% stick:Apply to affected nail tissue twice/day.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.
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What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Do not use urea topical on open wounds, burns, or areas of swollen skin. If this medication gets in your eyes, nose, mouth, rectum, or vagina, rinse with water.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
What other drugs will affect urea topical?
It is not likely that other drugs you take by mouth or inject will affect urea applied to the skin. However, many drugs can interact with each other. Inform all your health care providers about all the medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
Related medicines
Content is provided for education and is not medical advice. See our medical disclaimer.