GENERIC NAME: METHENAMINE - ORAL (meth-EN-uh-meen)
BRAND NAME(S): Hiprex, Mandelamine, Urex
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: This medication is an antibiotic used to treat infection of the urinary tract (kidney, bladder).
HOW TO USE: Take this medication exactly as prescribed. Take with food to prevent stomach upset. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. Cranberry juice or taking vitamin C supplements may be recommended since they acidify the urine and make the drug more effective. Large amounts of milk products or antacids should be avoided. Shake the liquid form of this medication well before pouring each dose. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by taking the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night. Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow and may result in a relapse of the infection.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause stomach upset, loss of appetite, diarrhea, nausea, or headache. If these symptoms persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: skin rash, hives, difficulty breathing, painful urination, blood in the urine, mouth sores. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially: kidney or liver disease, any allergies. Methenamine should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Methenamine is excreted into breast milk. Though there have been no reports (to date) of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI In Adults) - Learn about urinary tract infection causes, symptoms, signs, diagnosis and treatment of UTIs in men and women. Antibiotics may be used to treat recurrent bladder infections.
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