Hiprex

This medicine is a urinary antiseptic used to prevent urinary tract infections.

Ingredient
Ingredients: METHENAMINE

Directions:
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. THIS MEDICINE MAY BE TAKEN WITH FOOD if it upsets your stomach. BEFORE YOU BEGIN USING AN ANTACID, check with your doctor or pharmacist. DRINKING EXTRA FLUIDS while you are taking this medicine is recommended. Check with your doctor or nurse for instructions. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Caution
CHECK YOUR URINE pH while you are taking this medicine. To keep the pH 5.5 or less, eat foods high in protein including plums or prunes, or drink cranberry juice, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Hiprex

Active Ingredients: Methenamine
Representative Names: Hiprex, Mandelamine, Urex

What are Hiprex tablets?
What should my health care professional know before I take Hiprex?
How should I take this medicine?
What if I miss a dose?
What other medicines and foods can interact with Hiprex?
What side effects may I notice from taking Hiprex?
What should I watch for while taking Hiprex?
Where can I keep my medicine?

What are Hiprex tablets?

Hiprex (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 Hiprex tablets or enteric-coated tablets are available.

What should my health care professional know before I take Hiprex? (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?

Take Hiprex tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take with food or water if Hiprex 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?

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 Hiprex?
•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 Hiprex?

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 Hiprex?

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?

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.