Urea injection
What is urea injection?
UREA (Ureaphil®) is a diuretic. Diuretics increase the amount of urine passed, which causes the body to lose water and salt. Urea can help to reduce pressure and swelling around the brain, in the eye, or in various organs by increasing the flow of water from these areas. Generic urea injections are not yet available.
What should my health care professional know before I receive urea?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
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bleeding in the brain, head injury or trauma
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dehydration
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heart disease
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kidney disease
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liver disease
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an unusual or allergic reaction to urea, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
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pregnant or trying to get pregnant
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breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Urea is for injection or infusion into a vein. It is given by a health-care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.
What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply.
What drug(s) may interact with urea?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking urea?
Urea can reduce the amount of fluid in your body, which can lead to low blood pressure. You may get dizzy or lightheaded. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit up or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient.
What side effects may I notice from receiving urea?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
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confusion, and nervousness
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fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
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fever or chills
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lightheadedness or fainting spell
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muscle cramps, pain or weakness
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pain in the chest, legs, or back
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pain, redness, swelling, or irritation at the injection site
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shortness of breath
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unusual bleeding
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
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disorientation
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dizziness
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dry mouth
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headache
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increased thirst
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nausea, vomiting
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
After mixing the injection solution, use within 24 hours. Throw away any unused portion. Follow manufacturers advice on storage of diluted solutions.
Urea skin cream, gel, lotion or ointment
What is urea skin cream, gel, lotion or ointment?
UREA (Aquacare®, Carmol®) is commonly used to moisturize dry skin. At high doses (40%) urea can be used to dissolve and remove diseased nails without surgery. Urea is available in many non-prescription skin care products.
What should my health care professional know before I use urea?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
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broken, inflamed, or burnt skin
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infection
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an unusual or allergic reaction to urea, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
How should I use this medicine?
Urea skin cream, gel, lotion or ointment are for external use only. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the label. Apply a thin film to the affected area. The moisturizing effect may be better if urea is applied while the skin is still damp after washing or bathing. If applying to the nails, cover the surrounding area. Apply generously to the affected nail and cover with a plastic film, secure with adhesive tape. Cover with a plastic finger and tape in place to keep completely dry. The treated nail can be removed after several days. On exposure to air the nail bed hardens within 12 to 36 hours.
What if I miss a dose?
If you are using an urea skin product regularly and miss a dose, apply it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the dosing schedule.
What drug(s) may interact with urea?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional: about all other skin products you are using.
What should I watch for while taking urea?
Do not get urea in or near the eyes. Only apply urea with caution to the face or on broken skin.
What side effects may I notice from using urea?
When used as directed, skin applications of urea have few side effects.
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
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skin rash
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stinging, or irritation
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep in a well closed container. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.