Methenamine Hippurate
About Methenamine Hippurate
Methenamine Hippurate belongs to a group of medicines known as antibacterials. It is used to treat urinary tract infections and to prevent them from recurring. It also helps prevent UTIs in people with bladder catheters or those having specific medical procedures. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common bacterial infections that affect the urinary system, including the bladder, kidneys, and urethra. They can cause symptoms such as frequent urination, burning sensations, and lower abdominal discomfort.
Methenamine Hippurate contains Methenamine hippurate, which releases formaldehyde in acidic urine to help kill bacteria. Hippuric acid supports this by maintaining urine acidity and has mild antibacterial properties. This combination is effective against bacteria such as E. coli, enterococci, and staphylococci, but may be less effective against resistant strains like Enterobacter aerogenes. An acidic environment is essential for inhibiting urea-splitting bacteria, such as Proteus and Pseudomonas.
Take Methenamine Hippurate for the duration prescribed by your doctor, based on your medical condition. Some common side effects may include rashes, itching, stomach irritation, bladder irritation (which causes burning and pain during urination), nausea, and vomiting. These effects are usually temporary and do not require medical attention. However, if they continue or worsen, see your doctor for advice.
Methenamine Hippurate should not be taken if you are allergic to it. Before starting treatment with Methenamine Hippurate, inform your doctor about any other medications or herbal products you are taking. Brief your medical history to the doctor in advance if you have kidney or liver issues, dehydration, gout, or metabolic acidosis. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before taking Methenamine Hippurate. Methenamine Hippurate is not recommended for children aged under six, as its safety and efficacy have not been established.
Uses of Methenamine Hippurate
• Treatment of urinary tract infections: Methenamine Hippurate helps eliminate bacteria from the urinary tract by releasing formaldehyde in acidic urine.
• Prevention of recurrent UTIs: Long-term use can minimise the occurrence of recurring urinary tract infections, particularly in susceptible individuals.
• Prevention of UTIs in catheterised patients: It lowers the risk of infection in people who use long-term bladder catheters.
Medicinal Benefits
Methenamine Hippurate contains methenamine hippurate, an active ingredient that belongs to the group of antibacterial medicines. It prevents recurrent UTIs – Especially useful in patients with frequent infections. Suppresses bacterial growth in the urinary tract. It doesn't promote antibiotic resistance, making it suitable for long-term use. Methenamine Hippurate is safe for prophylactic use – It is often prescribed after the initial infection is treated with antibiotics to prevent recurrence.
Directions for Use
- Methenamine Hippurate can be taken with or without food as advised by your doctor.
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication.
- Swallow Methenamine Hippurate as a whole with a glass of water.
- If you find it hard to swallow the tablets, you may crush them and take them with milk or fruit juice.
Storage
Side Effects of Methenamine Hippurate
- Rashes
- Itching
- Stomach irritation
- Bladder irritation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Drug Warnings
Do not take Methenamine Hippurate if you are allergic to any of its contents. Consult a doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Inform your doctor if you have kidney or liver issues, dehydration, gout, or metabolic acidosis. If you are using antibiotics known as sulphonamides, taking them along with Methenamine Hippurate may harm your kidneys. It is unknown if alcohol interacts with Methenamine Hippurate, so please consult a doctor. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before taking Methenamine Hippurate. Methenamine Hippurate is not recommended for children aged under six, as its safety and efficacy have not been established.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Methenamine Hippurate may have an interaction with antibiotics (sulphonamides), Urinary alkalinizer (potassium citrate) and diuretic (acetazolamide).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have kidney or liver issues, dehydration, gout, or metabolic acidosis.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is not known if you can consume alcohol while using Methenamine Hippurate. Please consult your doctor for more information.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorIf you are pregnant, inform your doctor before taking Methenamine Hippurate. Your doctor will recommend this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is not known whether Methenamine Hippurate passes into breastmilk. Please consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding before using this medicine. Your doctor will prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
safeIt is considered safe to drive or engage in activities that require mental alertness, as this medicine does not affect cognitive abilities. Please consult your doctor if you have concerns.
Liver
cautionMethenamine Hippurate is not recommended for use in patients with severe liver disease. If you have a pre-existing liver disease or a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before taking this medicine.
Kidney
cautionIf you have kidney disease, inform your doctor before taking Methenamine Hippurate.
Children
consult your doctorMethenamine Hippurate is not recommended for children under the age of 6, as its safety and efficacy have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Drink plenty of fluids as they help in flushing out excess minerals.
- Maintain a healthy weight by exercising regularly.
- Practice personal hygiene. Wash and clean your private parts.
- Avoid prolonged use of catheters unless necessary.
- Always pee after sexual intercourse.
- Holding back urine causes bacteria to grow. Always go to the washroom whenever you feel the urge.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Urinary tract infection (UTI): It is an infection that affects various parts of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. It usually occurs due to bacteria, such as E. coli. Symptoms may include a strong urge to urinate, a burning sensation while urinating, murky urine, or lower abdominal pain. If left untreated, the infection may spread to the kidneys and become more severe.
FAQs
Methenamine Hippurate is used to treat recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). It is also used to prevent urinary tract infections in individuals with bladder catheters and in those undergoing specific medical procedures.
Methenamine Hippurate contains Methenamine hippurate, which releases formaldehyde in acidic urine to help kill bacteria. Hippuric acid supports this by maintaining urine acidity and has mild antibacterial properties. This combination is effective against bacteria such as E. coli, enterococci, and staphylococci, but may be less effective against resistant strains like Enterobacter aerogenes.
UTI is commonly caused by an abnormal rise in the normal concentrations of tract flora, namely a bacterium called E. coli. It is common in females due to the shorter length of the urethra.
Do not stop taking Methenamine Hippurate without consulting your doctor, as it may reduce the medication’s effectiveness. To treat your condition effectively, continue taking Methenamine Hippurate for as long as prescribed by your doctor.
Yes, Methenamine Hippurate is intended for daily use as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the recommended dosage carefully and do not skip or exceed it without medical guidance.
If you miss a dose, try to take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is time for the scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the scheduled dose instead. Avoid taking the double dose as it may lead to an overdose or unpleasant side effects.
Taking higher doses than prescribed is ineffective and may cause side effects. Therefore, it's essential to follow the dosage instructions provided by your doctor to ensure safe and effective use.
Common side effects include rashes, itching, stomach irritation, bladder irritation causes burning and pain during urination, nausea and vomiting. Seek medical care if the symptoms persist or worsen.
