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Urea (Systemic)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 28, 2023.

Pronunciation

(yoor EE a)

Dosage Forms

Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.

Powder for Solution, Oral:

Ure-Na: 15 g (8s) [lemon-lime flavor]

Brand Names: U.S.

Pharmacologic Category

Pharmacology

Urea normalizes serum sodium levels by inducing osmotic excretion of free water. Urea also ameliorates hyponatremia in syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion by a more specific effect, diminishing the natriuresis in association with increased medullary urea content.

Use: Labeled Indications

Hyponatremia: A medical food for the management of hyponatremia (euvolemic and hypervolemic).

Note: A medical food is formulated to be administered enterally under the supervision of a physician and is intended for the specific dietary management of a disease or condition for which distinctive nutritional requirements are established by medical evaluation. Medical foods are not drugs and, therefore, are not subject to any FDA regulatory requirements that specifically apply to drugs (eg, requirement for written/oral prescription prior to dispensing, premarket review or approval, proof of safety and efficacy).

Contraindications

There are no contraindications listed in the manufacturer’s labeling.

Dosing: Adult

Hyponatremia: Oral: 15 to 60 g daily

Dosing: Geriatric

Refer to adult dosing.

Administration

Mix each 15 g dose with 3 to 4 ounces of water or juice.

Drug Interactions

There are no known significant interactions.

Urea drug interactions (more detail)

Adverse Reactions

The following adverse drug reactions and incidences are derived from product labeling unless otherwise specified.

Frequency not defined.

Endocrine & metabolic: Hypernatremia

Gastrointestinal: Mildly upset stomach

Urea side effects (more detail)

Monitoring Parameters

Serum sodium

Patient Education

What is this drug used for?

• It is used to treat low sodium levels.

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Nausea

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Fluid and electrolyte problems like mood changes, confusion, muscle pain or weakness, abnormal heartbeat, severe dizziness, passing out, fast heartbeat, increased thirst, seizures, loss of strength and energy, lack of appetite, unable to pass urine or change in amount of urine passed, dry mouth, dry eyes, or nausea or vomiting

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Talk to your doctor if you have questions.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer: This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a limited summary of general information about the medicine’s uses from the patient education leaflet and is not intended to be comprehensive. This limited summary does NOT include all information available about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. For a more detailed summary of information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine, please speak with your healthcare provider and review the entire patient education leaflet.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer