Reconstitution of Oral Urea Powder
Oral urea powder should be dissolved in water or another appropriate liquid vehicle according to the manufacturer's specific instructions, typically mixed thoroughly until completely dissolved before administration.
General Reconstitution Principles
While the provided evidence does not contain specific FDA-approved instructions for oral urea powder reconstitution, the principles for reconstituting pharmaceutical powders can be applied:
Basic Reconstitution Steps
- Use clean, purified water (distilled, deionized, or reverse osmosis water is preferred over tap water to avoid pH alterations and impurities) 1
- Follow manufacturer's instructions precisely regarding the weight of powder and volume of liquid required 1
- Use appropriate measuring equipment including a calibrated balance for powder measurement and graduated containers for liquid volumes 1
Mixing Procedure
- Pour approximately half the required water into a clean container first 1
- Add the pre-measured urea powder to the water 1
- Stir or rotate gently for several minutes until powder is completely dissolved; avoid vigorous shaking which can cause foaming 1
- Add the remaining water down the sides of the container to rinse any powder adhering to the walls 1
- Ensure complete dissolution before administration, as undissolved powder may affect dosing accuracy 1
Storage Considerations
- Urea powder containers should be stored in a cool, dry environment and kept tightly closed when not in use to prevent moisture absorption, as urea is hygroscopic 1, 2, 3
- Some urea formulations may require refrigeration at 2-8°C—always verify manufacturer's storage requirements 1
- Once reconstituted, use the solution promptly unless specific stability data supports longer storage
Safety Precautions
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment including gloves and mask to avoid skin contact and inhalation during powder handling 1
- Wash hands before and after handling the powder 1
- Do not return excess powder to the original container after opening 1
Clinical Context
Oral urea is used primarily for treating chronic hyponatremia and works as an osmotic diuretic to increase urinary water excretion 4, 5. The medication appears safe and well-tolerated when properly prepared and administered 4, 5.