METHENAMINE - ORAL

METHENAMINE - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (meth-EN-a-meen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Hiprex, Mandelamine, Urex

GENERIC NAME(S): methenamine hippurate

Uses

USES: Methenamine is used to prevent or control returning urinary tract infections caused by certain bacteria. It is not used to treat an active infection. Other antibiotics must be used first to treat and cure the infection. Methenamine is an antibiotic that stops the growth of bacteria in urine. This medication also contains an ingredient that helps to make the urine acidic. When the urine is acidic, methenamine turns into formaldehyde to kill the bacteria. This antibiotic is effective only against bacterial infections in the urinary tract. It will not work for other types of bacterial infections (such as in the blood) or for viral infections (such as the common cold or flu). Unnecessary use or misuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.


How to use METHENAMINE - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on the brand of methenamine you are prescribed, your medical condition, and your response to treatment. For children, dosage is also based on age and weight. Methenamine works better if your urine is more acidic. Your doctor may test the acidity of your urine (urine pH). If necessary, your doctor may recommend ways to increase urine acidity (such as by taking vitamin C/drinking cranberry juice, limiting foods that decrease acidity/increase alkalinity such as milk products/most fruits, adjusting alkalinizing medications). See also Drug Interactions section. Follow your doctor's instructions. For the best effect, take this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time(s) every day. Continue to take this medication for the full time prescribed, even if you feel well. Skipping doses or stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a return of the infection and make the bacteria more difficult to treat (resistant). Do not take more of this drug than directed because it may increase your chance of side effects. Tell your doctor if symptoms of a urinary tract infection return (such as burning/painful/frequent urination).

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and loss of appetite may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Painful or difficult urination may occur with methenamine, although less often. Report these side effects to your doctor, who may need to lower your dose of methenamine or change your treatment to make your urine less acidic. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Taking higher than recommended doses of methenamine may cause bladder irritation, painful/frequent urination, and bloody/pink urine. Tell your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms. Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mouth sores, unusual headache, ringing in the ears, muscle cramps, swelling of the arms/legs. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking methenamine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to formaldehyde; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, liver problems, dehydration. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug passes into breast milk and the effect on a nursing infant is unknown. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also How to Use section. The effects of some drugs can change if you take other drugs or herbal products at the same time. This can increase your risk for serious side effects or may cause your medications not to work correctly. These drug interactions are possible, but do not always occur. Your doctor or pharmacist can often prevent or manage interactions by changing how you use your medications or by close monitoring. To help your doctor and pharmacist give you the best care, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) before starting treatment with this product. While using this product, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any other medicines you are using without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: sulfonamide drugs (including sulfa antibiotics such as sulfamethizole), products that decrease the amount of acid in the urine (urinary alkalinizers such as antacids, sodium bicarbonate, potassium or sodium citrate, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors such as acetazolamide). This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests, possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use. Share this list with your doctor and pharmacist to lessen your risk for serious medication problems.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

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HIPREX 1 GM TABLET

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MERRELL 277
METHENAMINE MD 500 MG TABLET

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METHENAMINE HIPP 1 GM TABLET

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METHENAMINE HIPP 1 GM TABLET

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Faq for METHENAMINE - ORAL

Methenamine oral is used to prevent or treat urinary tract infections caused by certain bacteria.

Methenamine oral works by releasing formaldehyde in the urine, which kills bacteria and helps prevent the growth of infection-causing bacteria in the urinary tract.

Common side effects of methenamine oral may include stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and bladder irritation. In rare cases, it may cause more serious side effects such as blood disorders or kidney problems.

Methenamine oral should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It is usually taken with food to minimize stomach upset. It is important to drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication to help prevent urinary tract infections.

It is generally recommended to avoid alcohol while taking methenamine oral as it may increase the risk of certain side effects such as liver damage.

It is important to consult with your doctor before taking methenamine oral if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as it may have certain risks or considerations.

Methenamine oral may interact with certain antibiotics, antacids, and other medications. It is important to inform your doctor about all the medications, supplements, and herbs you are taking before starting methenamine oral.

Methenamine oral may take a few days to start working. It is important to complete the full course of treatment as prescribed by your doctor, even if symptoms improve.

Methenamine oral may be used in children, but the dosage and safety should be determined by a pediatrician.



Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.