Before taking methenamine hippurate

Before taking methenamine hippurate make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you have kidney or liver problems.
• If you suffer from gout.
• If you have been told by your doctor that you have metabolic acidosis (a chemical imbalance in your blood).
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or to any other medicine.

How to take methenamine hippurate

• Before beginning your treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Take methenamine hippurate exactly as directed by your doctor.
• The usual dose in adults is one tablet twice a day (although if you have a catheter you may be asked to take one tablet three times each day). Take your dose with a drink of water, milk or fruit juice.
• If you find it difficult to swallow the tablets whole, you can crush the tablets before swallowing.
• Take your doses regularly. This means every 12 hours if you have been told to take two doses each day and every 8 hours if you are taking three doses each day.
• Remember to complete the full course of tablets you have been given.
• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Keep your regular appointment with your doctor so your progress can be monitored.
• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with methenamine hippurate.
• If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking methenamine hippurate.

Can methenamine hippurate cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

How to store methenamine hippurate

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

Important information about all medicines

References

• Manufacturer's PIL, Hiprex® Tablets, Meda Pharmaceuticals, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated March 2010, accessed August 2010.
• British National Formulary; 59th Edition (March 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.