Medicines & treatments centre

UREA WARNINGS

Urea should be used with caution in:

• None known

It should not be used in:

• Allergy (hypersensitivity) to urea or any of the other ingredients
• Broken or moist skin

Also see list of precautions and interactions

STORAGE

Store below 30°C.

UREA USES

What is it used for?

• Urea is used to treat chronic dry skin conditions, such as eczema. It is also used to treat skin conditions that cause dry, thickened, scaly, flaky and cracked skin (ichthyosis, xeroderma) and thickening of the outermost layer of the skin (hyperkeratosis).
• It is an emollient, sometimes known as a moisturiser.
• It is used to relieve the symptoms of dry skin conditions, such as cracked, scaly and itchy skin. The urea penetrates the skin's surface where it absorbs water. This results in a soothing, softening and moisturising effect.
• In general this drug is used when you have a long-term dry skin condition.

Benefits of being on this drug can include: making the skin softer and preventing thick, dry skin.

Listed below are the typical uses of urea:

• For the relief of symptoms of chronic dry skin conditions, such as eczema

On occasion your doctor may prescribe this medicine to treat a condition not on the above list. Such conditions are listed below.

• None known

HOW TO USE/TAKE

How often do I take it?

• Use urea exactly as your doctor has told you.
• Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it.
• Remember to use it at the same time each day - unless specifically told otherwise by your doctor.

What dose?

• Dosage is based on your medical condition.

Do I need to avoid anything?

• Avoid applying the cream to broken, moist or weeping skin. Avoid getting the cream in your eyes. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

When can I stop?

• Always complete the full course as prescribed by your doctor.

UREA SIDE EFFECTS

• Redness, itching or burning sensations where applied
• Swelling when applied to sensitive, moist or broken skin

Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms:

• None known

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the UK you may report side-effects to the MHRA

UREA PRECAUTIONS

Before taking urea, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other emollients; or if you have any other allergies.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have:

• Allergy (hypersensitivity) to urea or any of the other ingredients
• Broken or moist skin

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially any of the following:

• None known

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.

Does alcohol intake affect this drug?

• Alcohol does not affect this drug.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding - please ensure you read the detailed information below

PREGNANCY

Urea is suitable to take during pregnancy. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any doubts or questions about this.

It is sensible to limit use of medication during pregnancy whenever possible. However, your doctor may decide that the benefits outweigh the risks in individual circumstances and after a careful assessment of your specific health situation.

If you have any doubts or concerns you are advised to discuss the medicine with your doctor or pharmacist.

BREAST FEEDING

Urea is suitable to take if you are breastfeeding.

It is sensible to limit use of medication during breastfeeding whenever possible. However, your doctor may decide that the benefits outweigh the risks in individual circumstances and after a careful assessment of your specific health situation.

If you have any doubts or concerns you are advised to discuss the medicine with your doctor or pharmacist.

UREA INTERACTIONS

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

This cream should not be used with the following medications because very serious, possibly fatal interactions may occur:

• None known

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and non-prescription/herbal products you may use.

This information does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using urea, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use.

UREA OVERDOSE

Application of excessive amounts of urea cream may cause skin irritation, but no other effects would be expected. If this occurs, wash the cream off and stop using it.

If you swallow a large amount of urea cream, you may feel or be sick. If this happens, contact your doctor or nearest hospital casualty department as soon as possible.

If you think you, or someone you care for, might have accidentally taken more than the recommended dose of urea or intentional overdose is suspected, contact your local hospital, GP or if in the UK call NHS Direct on 0845 4647.

MISSED DOSE

If you miss an application of the cream, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of your next application, skip the missed application and resume your usual schedule. Do not use more cream to catch up.