METHENAMINE

Brand & Generic Names

Hip-Rex	Urex
Hiprex	Urised
Mandelamine	Urisedamine
Prosed	Uro-phosphate
Trac Tabs 2X	Uroquid

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? Yes
• Available as generic? Yes
• Drug class: Anti-infective (urinary)

Uses

Suppresses chronic urinary-tract infections.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Tablet--Swallow with liquid or food to lessen stomach irritation. If you can't swallow whole, crumble tablet and take with liquid or food.
Liquid form--Use a measuring spoon to ensure correct dose.
Granules--Dissolve dose in 4 oz. of water. Drink all the liquid.

When to take:
At the same times each day.

If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember up to 8 hours late. If more than 8 hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose).

What drug does:
A chemical reaction in the urine changes methenamine into formaldehyde, which destroys certain bacteria.

Time lapse before drug works:
Continual use for 3 to 6 months.

Don't take with:
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
Bloody urine, weakness, deep breathing, stupor, coma.

WHAT TO DO:

• Dial 911 (emergency) or O (operator) for an ambulance or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
• See EMERGENCY Information.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

In case of overdose, see Overdose section.

Common:

• Rash.
• Nausea, difficult urination.

Infrequent:

• Blood in urine.
• Burning on urination, lower back pain.

Rare:

None expected.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:

• You are allergic to methenamine.
• You have a severe impairment of kidney or liver function.
• The urine cannot or should not be acidified (check with your doctor).

Before you start, consult your doctor:

• If you have had kidney or liver disease.
• If you plan to become pregnant within medication period.
• If you have had gout.

Over age 60:
Don't exceed recommended dose.

Pregnancy:
Studies inconclusive on harm to unborn child. Avoid if possible, especially first 3 months. Consult doctor.

Breast-feeding:
Drug passes into milk in small amounts. Consult doctor.

Infants & children:
Use only under medical supervision.

Prolonged use:
No problems expected.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
No problems expected.

Discontinuing:
Don't discontinue without doctor's advice until you complete prescribed dose, even though symptoms diminish or disappear.

Others:
Requires an acid urine to be effective. Eat more protein foods, cranberries, cranberry juice with vitamin C, plums, prunes.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------	-----------------------
Antacids*	Decreased methenamine effect.
Carbonic anhydrase	Decreased methenamine effect.
Citrates*	Decreases effects of methenamine.
Diuretics, thiazide*	Decreased urine acidity.
Sodium bicarbonate	Decreased methenamine effect.
Sulfadoxine and	Increased risk of kidney toxicity.
Sulfa drugs*	Possible kidney damage.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	Possible brain depression. Avoid or
	use with caution.
Milk and other	Decreased methenamine effect.
Cocaine:	None expected.
Citrus, cranberries,	Increased methenamine effect.
Marijuana:	Drowsiness, muscle weakness or
	blood pressure drop.
Tobacco:	None expected.