Hiprex

Hiprex Drug Information

• Hiprex Overview

  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. Hiprex 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 Hiprex

  Take Hiprex by mouth as directed by your doctor. Dosage of Hiprex is based on the brand of methenamine you are prescribed, your medical condition, and your response to treatment. For children, Dosage of Hiprex 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 Hiprex at the same time(s) every day. Continue to take Hiprex 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 Hiprex 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).

• Hiprex 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. Hiprex may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Hiprex, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,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, Hiprex should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Hiprex passes into breast milk and the effect on a nursing infant is unknown. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Hiprex Misdose

  If you miss a dose of Hiprex, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Hiprex 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 Hiprex. While using Hiprex, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any other medicines you are using without your doctor's approval.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). Hiprex may interfere with certain laboratory tests, possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use Hiprex. 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.

• Hiprex Side Effects

  What are Hiprex side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Hiprex may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Hiprex as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Hiprex

  The side effects of Hiprex may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Hiprex. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Hiprex may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Hiprex, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Hiprex.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Hiprex, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Hiprex and the side effects associated with Hiprex are described in the following:

  Common Hiprex Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  Less Frequent Hiprex Side Effects

  Severe

  • skin rash

  Less Severe

  • nausea
  • dyspepsia

  Rare or Very Rare Hiprex Side Effects

  Severe

  • hematuria

  Less Severe

  • dysuria
  • pruritus of skin

• Hiprex Storage

  Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Hiprex when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.