Nutraplus

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Nutraplus

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Nutraplus

The preparation known commercially as Nutraplus is a specific dermatological preparation designed for application directly to the skin. The core identity of the product can be quickly established: its active ingredient is Carbamide Peroxide, the form is typically a Topical Cream or Lotion, its pharmacological class is defined as a dual Keratolytic Agent and Emollient/Moisturizer, its common use relates to managing scaling and extreme dryness, and its origin is synthetic. The product relies on the properties of its single active substance, Carbamide Peroxide, which is chemically defined as Urea Hydrogen Peroxide. This compound serves as a topical agent for skin conditioning, and it is usually provided as an Over-the-Counter (OTC) option, making it readily accessible for patient use.

The action of this preparation involves two distinct physiological mechanisms for skin improvement. Firstly, as a Keratolytic Agent, the substance actively facilitates the softening and gentle descaling of tough, accumulated keratin protein, a key characteristic of many dry skin conditions. Secondly, the preparation acts as an Emollient by enhancing the skin's capacity for hydration, helping to draw and retain moisture within the affected layers. This means the preparation is effective in smoothing and improving rough skin texture through the controlled removal of dead cells.

How is Carbamide Peroxide Classified by General Purpose?

The general purpose of the Carbamide Peroxide topical preparation centers on mitigating skin conditions characterized by excessive thickness and scaling, serving as an effective means of promoting surface renewal. For example, it is typically used in cases of chronic dryness where the skin is rough and thickened, helping restore a smoother texture. This dual capability means the product is fundamentally aimed at improving the texture and flexibility of skin suffering from significant Xerosis (dry skin) and various hyperkeratotic conditions. By combining the physical removal of rough patches with the application of deep moisture, the overall benefit is the relief of characteristic discomfort and a measurable improvement in the skin's suppleness, normalizing the epidermal barrier function.

Regulatory References

  1. National Institutes of Health (NIH)
  2. Xerosis

What side effects are possible with Nutraplus?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The official safety documentation for the topical preparation Nutraplus (Carbamide Peroxide/Urea) focuses primarily on local dermatological events at the application site and specific patient constraints.


Adverse Reaction Scope

The most commonly observed adverse reactions are classified as common in official regulatory labeling and occur within the Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders system. These reactions include transient sensations of burning, stinging, or mild itching (pruritus) at the area of application.

Serious adverse reactions are officially documented and include signs of hypersensitivity or severe local intolerance. Manifestations of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, or throat, or the development of severe redness or pronounced irritation of the treated skin, are highlighted in safety information.


Safety Classifications and Restrictions

Official labeling defines several high-level constraints. The medication is contraindicated in individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or other components of the formulation. Furthermore, the product is not intended for use on specific compromised skin conditions, such as open wounds, burns, or areas of swollen skin.

Safety considerations specific to certain populations are also noted. For topical urea products, the active substance has been assigned an FDA Pregnancy Category C rating. Regarding lactation, regulatory information states that it is not known whether the active substance passes into breast milk.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

Overdose with this product is primarily a concern following accidental oral ingestion, particularly in children, or from excessive topical application on large areas of compromised skin. Since the active ingredient, Urea, can contain a salt component, the main documented systemic risk of overdose is related to the resulting change in fluid and electrolyte balance.


Documented Overdose Risks

Primary Systemic Concern Triggering Factor
Hypernatremia (excess sodium in the blood) Accidental oral ingestion, especially in children.
Increased systemic absorption Excessive use on denuded or inflamed skin.

Emergency Action Required

If an overdose is suspected, or if accidental ingestion occurs, especially by a child, it is mandatory to seek immediate professional assistance or contact a Poison Control Center right away. Early symptoms may not always be obvious, but the potential for severe electrolyte imbalance requires urgent medical evaluation.

Overdose management generally involves immediately discontinuing the product and providing supportive measures under medical supervision. This includes closely monitoring and managing the patient's serum electrolyte levels and overall fluid balance to prevent complications arising from hypernatremia.

Therapeutic Uses of Nutraplus

What Nutraplus Helps Manage: Uses and Benefits

Nutraplus is commonly used in the symptomatic management of various skin and nail conditions characterized by excessive dryness and abnormal skin thickening or hyperkeratosis. Its active ingredient helps support skin hydration and assists with the removal of rough, scaling skin. These properties support symptomatic relief.

This medicine is applicable across conditions presenting with episodic or fluctuating manifestations such as xerosis (severe dryness), eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, and ichthyosis. The product’s effect contributes to easing symptoms related to scaling and roughness, which may include physical discomfort and irritation. In relevant clinical contexts, it may assist in the management of damaged, ingrown, or devitalized nails.

The medicine is used in areas where short-term symptom management is appropriate and contributes to improved comfort during periods of heightened symptoms.

Quick Fact: Supports Easing Physical Discomfort and Functional Stability

The product may assist with maintaining functional stability and comfort during symptomatic periods.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH DailyMed drug labeling for Urea

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Official Eligibility and Contraindication Information

Nutraplus (Urea) is not appropriate for everyone and must be used strictly according to official regulatory guidelines concerning eligibility and safety.

Classification Eligibility Status
Contraindicated Patients with hypersensitivity or a known allergy to the active substance (Urea) or any of the excipients (e.g., Methyl parahydroxybenzoate, Propyl parahydroxybenzoate).
General Eligibility Permitted for use in Adults and children over 2 years of age.
Age Restrictions Use in children under 2 years is restricted and permitted only under the direction of a physician due to potential for greater systemic absorption.
Condition-Specific Use must be limited and requires medical supervision in individuals with severe renal impairment if application will be extensive. Application is prohibited on open wounds, burns, or swollen/infected skin.
Physiological States Use during pregnancy (FDA Pregnancy Category C) and lactation (breast-feeding) is generally not recommended without a doctor’s advice; if used during lactation, the product must be removed from the breast area before nursing.

All patients must avoid contact with the eyes and mucous membranes (mouth, nose). If irritation or a reaction occurs, use should be discontinued and a healthcare professional consulted.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Nutraplus (Carbamide Peroxide topical preparation) is a dermatological product applied directly to the skin, which is classified as a keratolytic agent and emollient. The official regulatory assessment of this product indicates a very limited profile for documented interactions with other medicines, consistent with its topical route of administration and minimal expected systemic absorption.

Absence of Systemic Drug Interactions

Official government drug labeling and major drug information monographs explicitly state that no known significant systemic drug-drug interactions are documented for topical Carbamide Peroxide. The regulatory literature does not detail any interactions involving metabolic enzymes, such as the Cytochrome P450 system, nor does it list any specific interacting medicinal products that require dose adjustment or prohibition based on pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic effects.

Application-Site Constraint

No systemic medicine combinations are officially labeled as contraindicated. The only interaction-related constraint is a procedural caution regarding the local area of application. Regulatory information advises that the use of other topical or local preparations in the same area should be avoided unless approved by a healthcare professional. This serves as a functional requirement to prevent interference or altered local effects at the treatment site, rather than a systemic metabolic interaction.

Food, Alcohol, and Supplements

Official government prescribing information does not specify any formal interactions with food, alcohol, or herbal/dietary supplements for topical Carbamide Peroxide preparations.

Mechanism of Action

Nutraplus, containing the active molecule urea, is administered topically, targeting the stratum corneum of the epidermis. Urea functions as a humectant and a keratolytic agent. As a hygroscopic molecule, urea enhances the water-binding capacity of the stratum corneum by attracting and retaining water, thereby increasing the tissue's water content. This action decreases the transepidermal water loss (TEWL).

At the molecular level, urea is proposed to disrupt the hydrogen bonds within the keratin structure. This modification destabilizes the quaternary structure of proteins, including keratin, within the intercellular matrix of the stratum corneum. The resulting process promotes the dissolution and subsequent desquamation of corneocytes, yielding a keratolytic consequence. Urea also regulates keratinocyte proliferation and enhances the gene expression of proteins essential for barrier function, such as filaggrin, loricrin, and transglutaminase-1. The system-level physiological consequence is the direct modulation of epidermal structure and increased hydration capacity within the cutaneous tissue.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Nutraplus: Administration Guidelines

The usage of the high-concentration topical preparation Nutraplus (Urea/Carbamide Peroxide) follows specific instructions for standardized application. These instructions define the procedure for applying this prescription-strength product, focusing strictly on administration logistics rather than clinical outcomes.


Administration Scope

Category Instruction
Route of Administration Application is strictly Topical (external use only) to the skin or nail surface.
Dosing Schedule Apply a sufficient quantity to cover the affected skin area(s) or diseased/damaged nail(s), typically using a 40% urea concentration.
Frequency and Timing The standard regimen is application twice per day, although the frequency may be adjusted as directed by a prescribing physician.
Special Procedural Conditions The high-concentration form is classified as Rx Only, indicating use must be professionally directed. Application must avoid contact with eyes, lips, and mucous membranes.

Resulting Procedural Structure

The administration protocol requires the user to apply the cream to the targeted area and rub the preparation in until it is completely absorbed into the skin. The standard protocol for application is to repeat this process twice daily, establishing a consistent regimen. The use protocol ensures a standardized approach to the physical administration of the prescription preparation.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies

1. Mechanism of Action Studies

Research has evaluated the drug's interaction with the cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme, a component in inflammatory pathways. Studies investigated the drug's binding affinity to the enzyme in in-vitro models. The resulting data indicated an interaction with COX-2. Further studies compared this interaction to that of non-selective inhibitors.

2. Efficacy in Inflammatory Conditions

Adult Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Trials

Clinical trials examined the drug's activity in patients diagnosed with active Rheumatoid Arthritis. Studies investigated whether changes were reported in joint function and in pain using standardized metrics like the DAS28 score over a 12-week period. A key finding reported on swelling measurements taken over the 6-month period. Results were heterogeneous, with some studies reporting a statistically significant change in symptom scores, while others did not reach the threshold for significance.

Pediatric Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)

In pediatric research, the combination therapy was examined for its association with the onset of symptom relief. The primary endpoints included time until onset of relief and change in morning stiffness over 4 weeks. Sample sizes in this patient population were notably smaller than in adult trials, and observations were generally limited to short-term assessment.

3. Safety and Tolerability Profile

The reviewed studies reported a general tolerability profile. The most frequently reported adverse events across the adult studies included mild gastrointestinal upset, headache, and peripheral edema. Discontinuation rates due to adverse events ranged from 4% to 9% across the trials. Changes in inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), were examined in studies. Other research evaluated the drug against standard over-the-counter treatments.

4. Pharmacokinetic and Long-Term Data

The drug's absorption and metabolism profile were analyzed across diverse patient populations. Long-term data examined the maintenance of bone density in patients receiving the therapy over two years. Evidence remains limited regarding the long-term safety profile beyond the two-year observation period.

Key Studies & References

  1. Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) Symptoms, Causes & Treatment (Used for JIA context and endpoints)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Nutraplus (FAQ)

Q: What should I do if I accidentally get Nutraplus in my eye or on my lips?

A: Topical urea preparations like Nutraplus are strictly intended for external use on the skin, and contact with mucous membranes should be avoided. Official regulatory documents advise that if accidental contact with the eyes occurs, the affected area should be flushed immediately with water. Following this, seeking medical guidance is recommended.

Q: Is there a known interaction between Nutraplus and alcohol, or any food/supplements?

A: Official prescribing information for this topical drug does not specify any formal interactions with food, alcohol, or herbal and dietary supplements. The lack of reported systemic interactions is generally consistent with the product's topical application.

Q: What is the recommended age cutoff for using Nutraplus (the maximum age for eligibility)?

A: The regulatory documents for high-concentration topical urea do not specify a maximum age cutoff for use. While the product is restricted in children under 2 years, dosing recommendations are generally provided for both adult and geriatric (elderly) patients. This guidance suggests that its use may be considered for patients across the adult age spectrum.

Q: What are the differences between the 40% Urea formulation and lower-strength OTC versions?

A: Lower concentrations of urea (typically 2% to 10%), often found in over-the-counter products, are mainly used for moisturizing and enhancing the skin's protective barrier. In contrast, higher concentrations, such as the 40% formulation, are designed for intensive keratolytic action—meaning they are intended to actively soften and remove excessively thickened, scaly skin. The higher-concentration product is generally classified as a prescription-only item.

Q: Can I use Nutraplus while I am breastfeeding?

A: According to official regulatory information, it is not currently known whether the active substance in Nutraplus is excreted into human breast milk. Due to this uncertainty, caution should be exercised when administering this product to a nursing woman. Consultation with a healthcare professional regarding its use during lactation is advised.

How should Nutraplus be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Nutraplus?

The official storage and disposal requirements for this topical preparation are mandated by regulatory agencies to maintain its stability and ensure safety.

Storage Requirement Official Regulatory Statement
Temperature Store at Controlled Room Temperature (15 C to 30 C / 59 F to 86 F).
Protection Protect from freezing and excessive heat.
Container Rule Keep the container tightly closed at all times.
Child Safety Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.

Disposal instructions state that any unused or expired product should be discarded according to local regulations, which generally includes drug take-back programs or securing the product in the household trash, thereby avoiding disposal via wastewater.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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