Methenamine, an antibiotic, eliminates bacteria that cause urinary tract infections. It usually is used on a
long-term basis
to treat chronic infections and to prevent recurrence of infections.
Can you take methenamine long term?
Methenamine, an antibiotic, eliminates bacteria that cause urinary tract infections. It usually is used on a
long-term basis
to treat chronic infections and to prevent recurrence of infections.
How long can you be on methenamine?
In each case report, the patient’s UTI improved, and they did not experience symptomatic UTI recurrence during the duration of methenamine hippurate treatment, which ranged from
1 to 6 months
.
What are the side effects of methenamine?
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.
Is methenamine safe for kidneys?
The safety of methenamine in patients with renal dysfunction or
severe dehydration is questionable
. Manufacturer package inserts for both methenamine products (Hiprex and Urex) identify renal insufficiency, hepatic insufficiency and severe dehydration as contraindications to methenamine use.
What product should be avoided while taking hiprex?
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 …
What class of antibiotic is methenamine?
Methenamine belongs to the family of medicines called
anti-infectives
. It is used to help prevent and treat infections of the urinary tract. Methenamine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
How long does methenamine hippurate stay in your system?
Urine has continuous antibacterial activity when HIPREX is administered at the recommended dosage schedule of 1 gram twice daily. Over 90% of methenamine moiety is excreted in the urine
within 24 hours
after administration of a single 1-gram dose.
What is best antibiotic for urinary tract infection?
- Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra, others)
- Fosfomycin (Monurol)
- Nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin, Macrobid)
- Cephalexin (Keflex)
- Ceftriaxone.
Can you drink alcohol while taking methenamine?
Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you
are taking hyoscyamine. You should be warned not to exceed recommended dosages and to avoid activities requiring mental alertness. If your doctor prescribes these medications together, you may need a dose adjustment to safely take this combination.
What is methenamine used to treat?
METHENAMINE (meth EN a meen) is used to
prevent urinary tract infections
due to bacteria. It is not used to treat an active infection. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.
Which type of bacteria causes most urinary tract infections?
The most common UTIs occur mainly in women and affect the bladder and urethra. Infection of the bladder (cystitis). This type of UTI is usually caused by
Escherichia coli (E. coli)
, a type of bacteria commonly found in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
What are the contraindications of methenamine?
Contraindications / Precautions
Methenamine, in all forms, is contraindicated in patients with
renal impairment
, renal failure, or severe dehydration because of the propensity for accumulation and subsequent toxicity. Methenamine, in all forms, is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic disease.
Does methenamine cause antibiotic resistance?
The drug is generally active against the most common organisms that cause UTIs and their reoccurrence. Since
methenamine is not an antibiotic
, bacterial resistance is not a problem for prolonged use.
Does hiprex affect your kidneys?
very serious loss of body water. liver problems. severe liver disease.
decreased kidney
function.
How can I make my urine more acidic?
To help make your urine more acid you should
avoid most fruits
(especially citrus fruits and juices), milk and other dairy products, and other foods which make the urine more alkaline. Eating more protein and foods such as cranberries (especially cranberry juice with vitamin C added), plums, or prunes may also help.
