What it does
Urea is a substance that helps keep the skin moist and can help treat dry skin conditions.
Commonly used for: dry skin, eczema, psoriasis
Read more in plain English ↓Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.
Ask about this medicine
Answers come only from this medicine's registration record, BNF monograph and interaction data - not medical advice.
Hard to find? We help patients in Kenya source rare medicines. We don't sell or dispense medicines - licensed pharmacies do.
Source this medicineRegistration & product details
Source: Pharmacy and Poisons Board · fetched 2026-01-28 21:56:08 · updated 2026-03-23 04:41:15
About this medicine
Urea is a substance that helps keep the skin moist and can help treat dry skin conditions.
What it treats
- dry skin
- eczema
- psoriasis
How it works
Urea works by attracting moisture to the skin and helping to soften and break down dry, flaky skin.
Who it's for
Urea is suitable for anyone experiencing dry skin, including people with skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: urea
BNF-referencedUrea is a nitrogenous compound that plays a crucial role in the body's nitrogen metabolism. It is primarily used as a keratolytic emollient, treating conditions characterized by dry, rough, scaly, and itchy skin. Urea functions by softening and hydrating the skin, thus providing relief from various dermatological conditions.
Indications
- Dry skin
- Ichthyosis
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Dermatitis
Dosage
Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for appropriate dosing recommendations for paediatric patients.
Adults: Refer to the specific product information for dosing instructions, as doses may vary based on formulation and intended use.
Mechanism of action
The primary mechanism of ammonia toxicosis appears to be inhibition of the citric acid cycle. There is an increase in anaerobic glycolysis, blood glucose, and blood lactate. Acidosis is manifested. The exact means by which ammonia blocks the citric acid cycle is not known. It is postulated that ammonia saturation of the glutamine-synthesizing system causes a backing-up in the citrate cycle, a decrease in its intermediates, and a decrease in energy production and cellular respiration, which leads to convulsions. The decrease of citrate cycle intermediates is postulated to result from reamination of pyruvic, ketoglutaric, and oxaloacetic acids.
Pharmacodynamics
Urea is a keratolytic emollient that works to treat or prevent dry, rough, scaly, itchy skin. Its emollient properties help to maintain skin hydration and improve the overall condition of the skin.
Pharmacokinetics
Urea is absorbed through the skin and metabolized in the body. It does not have significant systemic effects when used topically, as it primarily acts locally to alter the moisture content of the stratum corneum, thereby enhancing the skin's barrier function and improving hydration.
Adverse effects
- Skin irritation
- Burning sensation
- Dryness
- Redness
Precautions
- Use with caution in individuals with renal impairment
- Avoid contact with eyes
- Discontinue use if severe irritation occurs
Pregnancy
Consult healthcare provider before use, safety in pregnancy not established.
Breast-feeding
Consult healthcare provider before use, safety in breastfeeding not established.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Formulations
- Topical cream
- Topical ointment
- Topical lotion
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Molecular reference: urea
PubChem CID 1176Molecular formula: CH4N2O
Mechanism of action
... The primary mechanism of ammonia toxicosis appears to be inhibition of the citric acid cycle. There is an increase in anaerobic glycolysis, blood glucose, and blood lactate ... . Acidosis is manifested. The exact means by which ammonia blocks the citric acid cycle is not known. It is postulated that ammonia saturation of the glutamine-synthesizing system causes a backing-up in the citrate cycle, a decrease in its intermediates, and a decrease in energy production and cellular respiration, which leads to convulsions ... . The decrease of citrate cycle intermediates is postulated to result from reamination of pyruvic, ketoglutaric, and oxaloacetic acids.
Pharmacodynamics
Urea is a keratolytic emollient that works to treat or prevent dry, rough, scaly, itchy skin.
Biological pathways
Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.
This drug in other countries
The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.