Generic name: urea topical [YOO-ree-a-TOP-ik-al]
Brand names: Aqua Care, Aquaphilic with Urea, Atrac-Tain, Carb-O-Philic/20, Carmol, ... show all 66 brands
Dosage forms: topical cream (10%; 20%; 39%; 40%; 41%; 42%; 45%; 47%; 50%), topical foam (35%; 40%), ... show all 9 dosage forms
Drug class: Topical emollients
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Sep 20, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.
What is urea topical?
There are many brands and forms of urea topical available and not all brands are listed on 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.
Urea topical side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Urea topical may cause serious side effects. Stop using urea topical and call your doctor at once if you have:
severe redness or irritation of 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 occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Urea topical side effects (more detail)
Related/similar drugs
Temovate, ammonium lactate topical, CeraVe, dimethicone topical, AmLactin, Clobex, Olux
Warnings
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use urea topical if you are allergic to it.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether 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 whether 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.
How should I use urea topical?
Urea topical is available in many different forms (cream, lotion, ointment, liquid, gel, foam, shampoo, and others) for use on the skin or the scalp. Use your medicine exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Do not take by mouth. Urea topical is for use only on the skin. If this medication gets in your eyes, nose, mouth, rectum, or vagina, rinse with water.
Use a mild soap or cleanser to wash the skin or nail area to be treated. Urea topical may work best if the skin or nail to be treated is left slightly damp before the medicine is applied.
Apply a thin layer of this medicine to the affected skin and rub it in as completely as possible.
When applying urea topical to the nails, avoid getting any medicine on the cuticles or surrounding skin. Apply generously to the nail and allow the medicine to dry. You may cover the nail with a bandage or gauze if your doctor advises. The treated nail should be easily removed 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 directions on th medicine label.
Wash your hands with soap and water after applying this medicine, unless you are treating the skin on your hands.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse 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 flame or high heat. The canister may explode if it gets too hot. Do not puncture or burn an empty foam canister.
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.
Detailed Urea topical dosage information
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while using urea topical?
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.
What other drugs will affect urea topical?
It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied urea. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
More about urea topical
- Compare alternatives
- Reviews (28)
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- Drug class: topical emollients
Patient resources
- Urea Cream and Ointment patient information
- Urea Gel
- Urea Lotion
- Urea Nail Film and Hyaluronic Acid Gel Kit
- Urea Solution
- Urea in Lactic Acid or Ammonium Lactate Foam
Other brands
Kera-42, Hydro 40, URE-K, Carmol, ... +34 more
Professional resources
- Urea 45% Cream prescribing information
- Urea 47% Cream (FDA)
- Urea Cream (FDA)
- Urea Gel (FDA)
- Urea Hydrating Foam (FDA)
Other brands
URE-39, URE-K, Keralac, MeTopic, ... +2 more
Related treatment guides
- Dermatological Disorders
- Dry Skin
- Pityriasis rubra pilaris
Further information
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Medical Disclaimer
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