Ingredient

Urea (13C)

13C-urea is a breath test reagent used for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection.

All medicines
2
Single ingredient
2
Prescription medication
2

MFDS ingredient code M096440

What does it do?

13C-urea is urea containing the stable isotope carbon-13, used to confirm the presence of Helicobacter pylori infection in the gastrointestinal tract. This component is broken down by the urease enzyme secreted by Helicobacter after ingestion by the patient and is exhaled as carbon dioxide. The measurement of this is used to determine the infection status.

When a patient takes 13C-urea, if Helicobacter pylori is present, the urease enzyme breaks down urea to produce carbon dioxide that contains 13C. This carbon dioxide is transported to the lungs through the bloodstream and is detected in the breath. The amount of 13C carbon dioxide in the exhalation is measured to diagnose the infection.

Commonly used for

Approved uses differ by product. Check each product's information for its actual use.

Good to know

13C-urea uses a stable isotope rather than a radioactive isotope, making it safe and suitable for non-invasive breath testing rather than blood or tissue tests. Unlike other urea-based tests, there is no risk of radiation exposure and its accuracy is high.

Medicines containing this ingredient

Even with the same ingredient, strength, dosage form and how it is taken can differ.

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Dosage form
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2 total

Even with the same ingredient, dosage and approved uses can differ by strength, dosage form and combined ingredients. Check each product's information before taking it.

Questions about this ingredient

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For anything that needs medical judgment, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Product approval information is based on drug information provided by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.
Ingredient and class descriptions are not part of MFDS data and were written separately by Cashdoc.
Consult a doctor or pharmacist for accurate dosage, administration, and usage instructions.