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Methenamine

  • Methenamine hippurate stops the growth of bactria and is used to treat and prevent infections of the bladder. You must take methenamine hippurate at regular intervals and complete the course.

About methenamine

Type of medicine Antibacterials
Used for Treatment and prevention of infections of the bladder
Also called Hiprex, methenamine hippurate
Available as Tablets

Methenamine hippurate stops the growth of bacteria and is used to treat and prevent infections of the bladder.

Before taking methenamine

Before taking methenamine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from kidney problems
  • If you suffer from dehydration

How to take methenamine

  • You must take methenamine hippurate at regular intervals and complete the course.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Drinking cranberry juice regularly has been shown to help prevent bacterial infections of the bladder.

Can methenamine cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Occasionally rashes, itching, upset tummy, irritation of the bladder, may occur. Speak with your doctor.

How to store methenamine

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2006 DocID:
1424		 DocRef:
dils2369		 Last Updated:
24 Oct 2006		 Date of Next Review:
23 Oct 2008		 Version:
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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