Drugs & Vitamins

Hiprex Active Ingredients: Methenamine Representative Names: Hiprex, Mandelamine, Urex Available Product Images: What are methenamine tablets? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I take this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What other medicines and foods can interact with methenamine? What side effects may I notice from taking methenamine? What should I watch for while taking methenamine? Where can I keep my medicine? What are methenamine tablets? (Back to top) METHENAMINE (Hiprex®, Urex®, Mandameth®, Mandelamine®) is an antibiotic. It is used to treat cystitis (inflammation of the bladder) and to help prevent other urinary tract infections. Generic methenamine tablets or enteric-coated tablets are available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •liver disease •kidney disease •other chronic illness •dehydration •an unusual or allergic reaction to tartrazine dye, or any other food or medicine •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I take this medicine? (Back to top) Take methenamine tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take with food or water if methenamine upsets your stomach. Swallow enteric-coated tablets whole; do not crush or chew. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course of medicine prescribed by your doctor or health care professional even if you feel better. Take your doses at regular intervals and at the same time each day. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is nearly time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double doses. You must leave a suitable interval between doses. If you are taking two doses a day and have to take a missed dose, make sure there is at least 5 to 6 hours between doses. If you are taking three or four doses a day and have to take a missed dose, make sure there is at least 2 to 4 hours between doses. What other medicines and foods can interact with methenamine? (Back to top) •acetazolamide •sulfonamides (sulfa drugs) •water pills •dichlorphenamide •methazolamide •potassium or sodium citrate •citric acid •orange juice •sodium bicarbonate •milk and antacids Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from taking methenamine? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •skin rash, itching •lower back pain •blood in urine •painful or frequent urination •vomiting Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •nausea •stomach pain, diarrhea •loss of appetite What should I watch for while taking methenamine? (Back to top) Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in 3 or 4 days. Drink several glasses of water a day. This will help to reduce possible kidney damage. Your urine must be acidic for this medicine to work properly. Include plenty of protein, and cranberry, plum, or prune juice in your diet. Avoid citrus fruit, milk and other dairy products. You can check the acidity of your urine with phenaphthazine paper; acidity should be below pH 5.5. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Last Updated:01/01/1995 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.