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Urea (Topical)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 17, 2023.

Pronunciation

(yoor EE a)

Index Terms

Dosage Forms

Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling. [DSC] = Discontinued product

Cream, External:

Atrac-Tain: 10% (2 g [DSC], 57 g [DSC], 142 g [DSC])

Carmol 20: 20% (85 g [DSC])

Gordons Urea: 40% (120 g) [contains cetyl alcohol, methylparaben, propylene glycol, propylparaben, trolamine (triethanolamine)]

Gormel: 20% (75 g, 120 g, 480 g, 2400 g) [contains cetyl alcohol, methylparaben, propylene glycol, propylparaben, trolamine (triethanolamine)]

Keralac: 47% (142 g) [contains edetate disodium, menthol]

MeTopic: 41% (227 g [DSC]) [contains cetyl alcohol, methylparaben, propylene glycol, propylparaben]

Mycocide CX Callus Exfoliator: 12% (100 mL) [contains methylparaben, propylene glycol, propylparaben]

Nutraplus: 10% (85 g, 453 g) [odorless; contains cetearyl alcohol, methylparaben, propylene glycol, propylparaben]

Protexa: 42% (45 g) [contains cetearyl alcohol, propylene glycol]

Rea Lo 40: 40% (28.3 g [DSC], 85 g [DSC], 198.4 g [DSC])

Rea Lo 39: 39% (227 g [DSC]) [fragrance free]

Rea-Lo: 30% (227 g, 59 mL)

Remeven: 50% (142 g [DSC], 255 g [DSC]) [contains disodium edta]

Rynoderm: 37.5% (142 g [DSC]) [contains disodium edta]

Uraliss: 35% (240 g [DSC]) [contains butylparaben, cetyl alcohol, ethylparaben, isobutylparaben, methylparaben, propylene glycol, propylparaben]

Uramaxin: 45% (255 g [DSC]) [contains alcohol, usp, edetate disodium, menthol]

Ure-K: 50% (142 g [DSC]) [contains disodium edta]

Urea 20 Intensive Hydrating: 20% (85 g) [contains propylene glycol]

Ureacin-20: 20% (113.4 g)

Uredeb: 39% (227 g) [contains butylparaben, cetyl alcohol, ethylparaben, isobutylparaben, methylparaben, propylene glycol, propylparaben]

Uremez-40: 40% (227 g) [contains butylparaben, cetyl alcohol, ethylparaben, isobutylparaben, methylparaben, propylene glycol, propylparaben]

Uresol: 42.5% (227 g) [contains butylparaben, cetyl alcohol, ethylparaben, isobutylparaben, methylparaben, propylene glycol, propylparaben]

Urevaz: 44% (60 g [DSC]) [contains disodium edta]

Utopic: 41% (227 g) [contains cetyl alcohol, propylene glycol]

Xurea: 39% (227 g) [contains propylene glycol, trolamine (triethanolamine)]

Generic: 10% (85 g [DSC]); 20% (85 g [DSC]); 40% (28 g, 28.35 g, 85 g, 198 g, 198.4 g); 41% (227 g); 45% (255 g); 47% (142 g); 50% (142 g [DSC], 255 g [DSC]); 39% (226.8 g, 227 g)

Emulsion, External:

Latrix XM: 45% (240 mL) [contains cetyl alcohol, disodium edta, propylene glycol, trolamine (triethanolamine)]

Umecta: 40% (120 g [DSC], 227 g [DSC]) [contains trolamine (triethanolamine)]

Generic: 50% (284 g [DSC], 300 g)

Foam, External:

Hydro 35: 35% (150 g [DSC]) [contains ethylparaben, methylparaben, propylene glycol, propylparaben, trolamine (triethanolamine)]

Hydro 40: 40% (150 g) [contains ethylparaben, methylparaben, propylene glycol, propylparaben, trolamine (triethanolamine)]

Umecta Mousse: 40% (113.4 g) [contains soya sterol, trolamine (triethanolamine)]

Uramaxin: 20% (100 g [DSC]) [contains cetyl alcohol, propylene glycol]

Urea Hydrating: 35% (150 g) [contains ethylparaben, methylparaben, propylene glycol, propylparaben, trolamine (triethanolamine)]

Generic: 35% (227 g)

Gel, External:

Uramaxin: 45% (28 mL) [contains edetate disodium, menthol, propylene glycol]

Uramaxin GT: 45% (20 mL [DSC]) [contains edetate disodium, menthol, propylene glycol]

Urea Nail: 45% (28 mL) [contains edetate disodium, menthol, propylene glycol]

Generic: 40% (15 mL [DSC])

Kit, External:

Dermasorb XM: 39% [DSC] [contains ceteareth-20, cetyl alcohol, chlorocresol (chloro-m-cresol)]

Uramaxin GT: 45% [DSC] [contains edetate disodium, menthol, propylene glycol]

Urea Nail: 40% [DSC] [contains disodium edta, methylparaben, propylparaben, trolamine (triethanolamine)]

Lotion, External:

Atrac-Tain: 5% (118 mL [DSC], 237 mL [DSC])

Beta Care Betamide: 25% (120 mL, 480 mL)

Carmol 10: 10% (177 mL [DSC])

Cerovel: 40% (325 mL) [contains alcohol, usp, trolamine (triethanolamine)]

Dermal Therapy Finger Care: 20% (18 mL)

Gormel 10: 10% (228 g)

Nutraplus: 10% (236 mL, 473 mL) [odorless; contains methylparaben, propylparaben]

Rea Lo 40: 40% (236.6 mL [DSC]) [fragrance free]

Rea-Lo: 15% (120 mL [DSC])

Ultra Mide 25: 25% (236 mL) [paraben free; contains cetyl alcohol, edetate (edta) sodium (tetrasodium)]

Uramaxin: 45% (480 g [DSC]) [contains alcohol, usp, edetate disodium, menthol]

Urea-C40: 40% (236.6 mL)

Ureacin-10: 10% (236.56 mL)

Generic: 10% (177 mL [DSC], 236 mL [DSC], 480 mL [DSC]); 20% (177 mL); 40% (226.8 g, 236.6 mL [DSC]); 45% (480 g [DSC])

Ointment, External:

Aquaphilic/Carbamide: 10% (180 g, 454 g); 20% (454 g)

Gordons Urea: 22% (30 g); 40% (30 g)

Lanaphilic/Urea: 10% (454 g); 20% (454 g)

Shampoo, External:

Carmol: 10% (240 mL [DSC])

Solution, External:

CEM-Urea: 45% (20 mL) [contains edetate disodium, menthol, methylparaben, propylene glycol]

Stick, External:

Urea Nail: 50% (2.4 mL [DSC]) [contains cetyl alcohol, disodium edta]

Suspension, External:

Latrix: 50% (284 g [DSC]) [contains cetyl alcohol, edetate disodium, propylene glycol, trolamine (triethanolamine)]

Salrix: 50% (284 g [DSC]) [contains disodium edta]

Umecta Nail Film: 40% (3 g [DSC], 18 mL [DSC]) [contains disodium edta]

Generic: 40% (283.4 g, 18 mL [DSC]); 50% (284 g [DSC])

Detailed Urea topical dosage information

Brand Names: U.S.

Pharmacologic Category

Pharmacology

Urea softens hyperkeratotic areas by dissolving the intracellular matrix, resulting in loosening the horny layer of the skin, or softening and debridement of the nail plate

Use: Labeled Indications

Hyperkeratotic conditions: Debridement and promotion of normal healing of hyperkeratotic surface lesions, particularly where healing is retarded by local infection, necrotic tissue, fibrinous or purulent debris, or eschar; treatment of hyperkeratotic conditions, such as dry, rough skin; skin cracks and fissures; dermatitis; psoriasis; xerosis; ichthyosis; eczema; keratosis; keratoderma; corns and calluses; damaged, ingrown, and devitalized nails.

Contraindications

Clinically significant hypersensitivity to urea or any component of the formulation

OTC labeling: When used for self-medication, do not use on irritated, infected, or open skin.

Dosing: Adult

Hyperkeratotic conditions: Topical: Apply 1-3 times daily.

Dosing: Geriatric

Refer to adult dosing.

Administration

Apply to affected area; rub in until completely absorbed. May cover with adhesive bandage/gauze or plastic film. Shake lotion, foam, and suspension vigorously before administering dose.

Storage

Cream, lotion, gel, ointment: Store at room temperature (15°C to 30°C [59°F to 86°F]). Protect from freezing.

Foam: Store at room temperature (15°C to 30°C [59°F to 86°F]). Protect from freezing. Do not expose aerosol foam to temperatures over 48°C (120°F); do not puncture or incinerate.

Drug Interactions

There are no known significant interactions.

Adverse Reactions

The following adverse drug reactions and incidences are derived from product labeling unless otherwise specified.

Frequency not defined.

Central nervous system: Transient stinging of the skin

Dermatologic: Burning sensation of skin (transient), pruritus (transient)

Local: Local irritation

Urea topical side effects (more detail)

Warnings/Precautions

Concerns related to adverse effects:

• Skin reactions: Some products may cause photosensitivity. Use skin protection and limit sun exposure during therapy and for one week after.

Other warnings/precautions:

• Appropriate use: Avoid contact with eyes, lips, and mucous membranes. Discontinue use if redness, discomfort, or irritation occurs.

Pregnancy Risk Factor B/C (manufacturer specific) Pregnancy Considerations

Reproduction studies have not been conducted with all products. When conducted, adverse events were not observed in animal studies.

Patient Education

What is this drug used for?

• It is used to moisturize skin.

• It is used to treat some nail problems.

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Burning

• Stinging

• Itching

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Redness or application site irritation

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Talk to your doctor if you have questions.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer: This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a limited summary of general information about the medicine's uses from the patient education leaflet and is not intended to be comprehensive. This limited summary does NOT include all information available about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. For a more detailed summary of information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine, please speak with your healthcare provider and review the entire patient education leaflet.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer