Urea
Urea is a topical dermatological agent used to hydrate and soften dry, rough skin. It is commonly prescribed for conditions involving excessive skin dryness or thickening, and is available in various concentrations for different purposes.
Urea is a topical skin softener and moisturizer used to treat dry, rough, or thickened skin conditions.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- B05BC02
- RxNorm
- 11002
- Generic
- Urea
- Class
- atc-b05
- Brands
- Aluvea, CEM-Urea, Hydrasyn25, Utopic, Kera-42, Kera Nail, Rea Lo 39, Ureacin-20, Aqua Care, Aquaphilic with Urea, Atrac-Tain, Epimide 50, Gormel, Gormel 10, Nutraplus
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- topical
- Forms
- cream, spray, ointment, gel, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesterno adjustment needed
use only if clearly needed, avoid large areas of broken skin
regular prenatal check-ups
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesterno adjustment needed
use only if clearly needed, avoid large areas of broken skin
regular prenatal check-ups
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesterno adjustment needed
use only if clearly needed, avoid large areas of broken skin
regular prenatal check-ups
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
not applicableno adjustment needed
avoid applying to breast area, wash hands before breastfeeding
no specific monitoring required
geriatric
not applicableno adjustment needed
use with gentle application, may start with lower concentrations
monitor for skin irritation
pediatric_age
infantsuse lower strength formulations
avoid use in infants under 2 months, use gentle formulations
monitor for skin irritation
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
childrenno adjustment needed
use age-appropriate formulations, avoid broken skin
monitor for skin irritation
renal_impairment
not applicableno adjustment needed
no dose adjustment required for topical use
no specific monitoring required
hepatic_impairment
not applicableno adjustment needed
no dose adjustment required for topical use
no specific monitoring required
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information
Drug class
Drug class information
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses
Urea is used to treat dry skin (xerosis), rough or scaly skin, calluses, corns, cracked heels, and certain nail conditions. It is also sometimes used in combination with antifungals to help penetrate nails during fungal infection treatment.
Urea is a natural humectant that attracts water to the skin, providing hydration. At higher concentrations, it also has keratolytic properties, helping to break down and soften thickened skin by dissolving the protein structure that holds dead skin cells together.
Urea is for external use only and should not be applied to large areas of broken or inflamed skin. It may cause mild stinging or irritation initially. Avoid contact with eyes, nose, and mouth. Consult a healthcare provider if used for nail conditions to ensure appropriate application technique.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy