Urea

Registered South African indications:

• Hyperkeratotic conditions

Contraindications 

• Hypersensitivity to the active ingredient any of the excipients

Cautions

• Eyes and mucous membranes

Forms avail. in SA and covered in this monograph: cre, oin

Dystrophic nail removal due to onychomycosis, damaged, or devitalized and ingrown nails

• Topical (cre): Apply to affected nail, 12hrly; Keep dry and occlusive for 3-7 days

Keratolytic removal of keratinized skin

• Topical (cre, oin): 40-50%; Apply to affected area(s), 12hrly

Dry skin conditions

• Topical (cre, oin): 10-50%; Apply to affected area(s), 12hrly

Rub in until completely absorbed

May cover with adhesive bandage/gauze or plastic film

See adult dosage

Pregnancy

• FDA Pregnancy Category C

Breastfeeding

• Caution; no information available

Renal impairment

• Caution; no information available

Hepatic impairment

• Caution; no information available

Elderly

• Caution; no information available

Porphyria Information

• Not porphyrinogenic (NP)

Drugs in Sport

• Permitted - No warning

Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders

• Skin irritation
• Stinging
• Burning
• Itching

Other topical agents

None routine

Urea promotes hydration through stimulating water uptake by the stratum corneum, allowing it to have a high water-binding capacity. This property makes it useful when applied topically for the treatment of ichthyosis and hyperkeratotic skin disorders. It also has keratolytic properties. Urea enhances the penetration of topical agents such as corticosteroids into the skin.

Cream 10%

• Eulactol (Eulactol)
• Nutraplus (Galderma)
• Urea cream (BP)
• Xeroderm Plus (Van Dyk)

Ointment 25%

• Eulactol heel balm (Eulactol)