Has your doctor told you that your blood sodium level is low? Did he prescribe an oral solution called Urea as a treatment for it? You may have felt a little confused when you heard this name. "What is Urea? How should I use it? Are there any side effects?" You probably have many questions in your mind. Don't worry. Today, we will talk about this medicine called Urea in a very simple way that you can understand.
What exactly is this medicine called Urea?
Simply put, Urea is a medicine that helps bring the sodium level back to the proper level when the sodium level in your body, that is, in your blood, decreases (this condition is medically called Hyponatremia).
Think about it, for everything in our body to function properly, there must be a certain amount of sodium in the blood. This is like the amount of oil needed for a car's engine. Sodium controls the amount of water in our body and maintains the proper functioning of the nervous system and muscles. If for some reason this sodium level decreases too much, it can affect the functioning of our body. That's when the doctor prescribes this Urea medicine for you.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before prescribing this medicine to you, your doctor will ask you about a few things. However, you should definitely inform your doctor about the following things. This is very important.
- Allergies: If you have an allergy to urea, any other medicine, food, dyes, or preservatives, be sure to mention it.
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding . You should take special care with this medicine during these times.
- Other medical conditions: If you have any other medical conditions related to your kidneys, liver, or heart, tell your doctor about them as well.
How should I use the medicine?
This is very simple, but very important.
- Use as directed by your doctor: Use this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, in the amount and frequency advised by your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the dose.
- For children: If this medicine is given to children, it is important to discuss it with a pediatrician and follow their advice. Special care may be required.
- If you miss a dose: If you suddenly forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Overdose
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine by mistake, go to a hospital Emergency Unit (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Therefore, never share it with anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Some of the things you are taking may interact with this Urea medication. This means that it may affect the way the medication works. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about everything you are taking.
- Other medications (Prescription medicines)
- Vitamins
- Dietary supplements
- Herbal products like kashaya and arishta
In particular, you should definitely tell your doctor if you are taking the following medications:
- Some antibiotics - for example, amikacin, gentamicin, tobramycin.
- Lithium - a medication for mental illness.
- Sotalol - a medicine for heart disease.
This list is not complete. So it's safest to tell your doctor about everything you take. Also, tell him if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, Urea can cause side effects in some people. Some of these are serious, some are not so serious. It is important for you to be aware of these.
| Side effects of urea | |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the lips, tongue or face. |
| Symptoms of Potassium Deficiency | Muscle twitching or pain, chest pain, dizziness, weakness, fainting, rapid or irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Headache | A common headache. |
| Stomach discomfort | Discomfort such as stomach ache and nausea. |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned on this list, talk to your doctor about them as well.
While taking the medicine...
Your doctor will likely order regular blood tests to check your sodium and other salt levels while you are taking Urea. Be sure to get these tests done regularly. Also, if your symptoms don't improve or seem to get worse, tell your doctor right away.
Take-Home Message
- Urea is a medication that restores low sodium levels in the blood.
- Always take your medicine exactly as your doctor advises, in the prescribed amount, and at the prescribed time.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about any allergies you have, whether you are pregnant, and all other medications you are taking.
- If you miss a dose, never take a double dose at once.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any serious side effects such as facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or chest pain.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others.
- Store the medicine at room temperature, out of the reach of children. Throw away after the expiration date.
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