Methenamine
Drug Review
Compare Prices
Conditions & Treatments
Choose from these
common conditions
common conditions
Browse treatment centers:
Methenamine
(meth en' a meen)
(meth en' a meen)
What makes the information on ConsumerReportsHealth.org different?
- We do not rely simply on drug package inserts and manufacturer claims.
- Our information about drug and safety, off-label uses, side effects and interactions is based on the best available clinical evidence -- the same information used by hospital pharmacists
Hiprex, Mandelamine, Urex
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. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral
infections.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Methenamine comes as a tablet and a liquid to take by mouth. It usually is taken either two times a day (every 12 hours) or
four times a day (after meals and at bedtime). Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor
or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take methenamine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of
it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Swallow the coated tablets whole. Do not crush or break them. Take the tablets with a full glass of water or with food. Shake
the liquid well before each use to mix the drug evenly.
Methenamine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- stomach cramps
- loss of appetite
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- skin rash
- hives
- itching (allergic reaction)
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA)
MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
Before taking methenamine,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to methenamine, aspirin, tartrazine (a yellow dye in some processed foods and drugs), or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially antacids, sulfamethizole, diuretics ('water pills'), and vitamins.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking methenamine, call your doctor.
Methenamine may cause an upset stomach. Take methenamine with food or milk.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and
continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature
and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed.
Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing,
call local emergency services at 911.
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response
to methenamine.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines
you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list
with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with
you in case of emergencies.
Subscribe to ConsumerReportsHealth.org to compare drugs and other treatment options for over 100 medical conditions and start making better health decisions. JOIN NOW!
Subscribe now for 24/7 health news and information
Tips for staying healthy and preventing illness
Independent evaluations of diets, fitness routines and other wellness products
Treatment Ratings for over 200 medical and mental health conditions
Unbiased reviews of most prescriptions and OTC drugs
Effectiveness Ratings for over 20,000 Alternative Medic ines
