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Methenamine Hippurate Coupon - Methenamine Hippurate 1g tablet

methenamine hippurate

Generic Hiprex
Used for Urinary Tract Infection
Used for Urinary Tract Infection

Methenamine hippurate (Hiprex) is an antibiotic medication used to prevent and control urinary tract infections (UTIs). It's meant for people who need long-term prevention, not to treat active infections. Methenamine hippurate (Hiprex) is taken by mouth twice daily. Methenamine is also available in the form of methenamine mandelate, which is taken four times a day. Methenamine hippurate (Hiprex) isn't known to cause many side effects, but they can include nausea, upset stomach, and painful urination.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on September 7, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
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What is Methenamine hippurate (Hiprex)?

What is Methenamine hippurate (Hiprex) used for?

  • To prevent and eliminate recurrent UTIs in people who need long-term treatment

How Methenamine hippurate (Hiprex) works

Methenamine hippurate (Hiprex) prevents chronic, recurrent UTIs by acting as an antiseptic. Methenamine works in an acidic environment by breaking down into a chemical called formaldehyde, which causes damage to bacteria proteins. This kills and prevents the spread of bacteria. The salts of methenamine (either hippurate or mandelate) help keep the urine environment acidic so that the medication can work better.

When does Methenamine hippurate (Hiprex) start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
MINUTES
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Initial effect
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsHiprex
Drug ClassAntibiotic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Methenamine hippurate (Hiprex)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Less than 4%:
  • Nausea
  • Upset stomach
  • Painful urination
  • Rash

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

Skin rash

Rare

Blood in urine

lower back pain

pain or burning while urinating

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

Nausea and vomiting

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Methenamine hippurate (Hiprex)

thumbs-up

Pros

Works well to prevent recurrent UTIs

Starts to work to kill off bacteria in urine after a few hours

Has mild side effects

Doesn't affect your gut flora so it doesn’t get rid of the good bacteria your body needs

thumbs-down

Cons

Can't be used to treat an active UTI

Not recommended for people with kidney problems, severe liver disease, or severe dehydration

Might not be the best option for people with gout because it can cause urate crystals to form in your urine, which can make gout worse

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Methenamine hippurate (Hiprex)

pharmacist

  • Methenamine hippurate (Hiprex) works best when your urine is acidic. It's best to avoid or limit any foods or medications that can make the urine less acidic, such as milk products and antacids that contain sodium bicarbonate.

    • Make sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and to flush out bacteria that can cause UTIs. To keep your urine acidic, your provider might recommend you take methenamine hippurate (Hiprex) with cranberry juice or ascorbic acid (vitamin C).

      • Don't take methenamine hippurate (Hiprex) if you're taking sulfonamide medications, or "sulfa drugs," because the medications might react and form together as a solid crystal that can’t be broken down. Examples of sulfonamide medications are sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (Bactrim), sulfadiazine, sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), and sulfisoxazole (Gantrisin). Check with your pharmacist or healthcare provider if you're unsure if you are taking a sulfa drug.

        More on Methenamine hippurate (Hiprex) tips

        urinary-tract-infection: GRxH diptic uti antibiotics

        Can Methenamine and Vitamin C Help Prevent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)?

        Written by Karla Robinson, MD
        faqs

        Frequently asked questions about Methenamine hippurate (Hiprex)

        Is methenamine hippurate (Hiprex) an antibiotic?
        Yes, methenamine hippurate (Hiprex) is an antibiotic, but not the type that treats active infections. Instead, methenamine hippurate (Hiprex) helps prevent and control chronic UTIs in people who need long-term treatment. Your provider will only prescribe methenamine hippurate (Hiprex) after the UTI has been treated with an appropriate antibiotic.
        How many methenamine hippurate (Hiprex) can I take a day?
        If you're taking methenamine hippurate, take your dose twice a daily. But if you're taking methenamine mandelate, take your dose four times a day. Taking higher doses (e.g., 8 grams per day for more than 3 weeks) can cause bladder irritation, frequent and painful urination, protein in your urine, and bloody urine. It's important that only you take methenamine hippurate (Hiprex) exactly as prescribed.
        What is the difference between methenamine hippurate and methenamine mandelate?
        Both methenamine hippurate and methenamine mandelate contain the same active medication, but with different salt forms. The main difference between them is dosing. Methenamine hippurate is taken by mouth twice daily, whereas methenamine mandelate is taken four times a day. Talk with your provider if you have more questions about these medications.
        Does methenamine hippurate (Hiprex) cause weight gain or weight loss?
        Weight gain isn't a common side effect of methenamine hippurate (Hiprex). If you find yourself gaining weight while taking this medication, speak with your provider because it's probably caused by something else.
        Does methenamine hippurate (Hiprex) make you urinate more?
        No, methenamine hippurate (Hiprex) shouldn't make you urinate more if you take it as directed. But there have been reports of people experiencing frequent urination after taking higher doses of methenamine hippurate (Hiprex) (8 grams daily for 3 to 4 weeks). If you think you're urinating more often than usual, let your provider know.
        Can you take vitamin C with methenamine hippurate (Hiprex)?
        Check in with your provider before you take vitamin C with methenamine hippurate (Hiprex). Because methenamine hippurate (Hiprex) works best when your urine is acidic, the thought is that taking vitamin C can help methenamine hippurate (Hiprex) work better. But limited research doesn't show a clear benefit of taking vitamin C with methenamine hippurate (Hiprex). Talk with your provider if you have more questions about this combination.
        Can you drink alcohol while taking methenamine hippurate (Hiprex)?
        It's best to avoid alcohol while taking methenamine hippurate (Hiprex). Although it doesn't interact with the medication directly, alcohol can irritate your bladder, worsen your urinary symptoms, and lead to dehydration which can make it harder for your body to fight off your UTI.
        Is methenamine hippurate (Hiprex) safe to use if I'm pregnant?
        It's not known if methenamine hippurate (Hiprex) will harm you or your unborn baby during early pregnancy. But animal studies suggest it might be safe to take during the last trimester. Let your provider know if you get an UTI during pregnancy. They can talk with you about ways to prevent UTI during pregnancy as well as discuss safer treatment options.
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        What are the risks and warnings for Methenamine hippurate (Hiprex)?

        Methenamine hippurate (Hiprex) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

        risk-warning

        Possible liver problems

        • Risk factors: History of liver disease

          Methenamine hippurate (Hiprex) can temporarily raise your liver enzyme levels, which can be a sign of liver irritation or damage. Your provider might order blood work occasionally to check your liver health, especially if you have a history of liver problems. Methenamine hippurate (Hiprex) isn't recommended for people with severe liver problems.

          risk-warning

          Bladder irritation and frequent urination

          • Risk factors: Taking 8 grams daily for more than 3 weeks

            People who take larger doses of methenamine hippurate (Hiprex) (higher than recommended) might experience bladder irritation, frequent and painful urination, and protein or blood in your urine. Take the medication exactly as it's prescribed. If you have any of these symptoms, let your provider know.

            risk-warning

            Medication interactions

            Don't take methenamine hippurate (Hiprex) if you're taking a sulfonamide medication, such as sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (Septra, Bactrim). Taking these medications with methenamine hippurate (Hiprex) can lead to the formation of crystals, which can be painful.

            In addition, avoid taking methenamine hippurate (Hiprex) with milk products or antacids that has sodium carbonate or bicarbonate, as well as any salicylate medications. Taking these together can make the urine less acidic, which means that methenamine hippurate (Hiprex) won't work as well.

            dosage

            Methenamine hippurate (Hiprex) dosage forms

            The average cost for 180 tablets of 1g of Methenamine hippurate (Hiprex) is $69.70 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 74.31% off the average retail price of $271.32.
            tablet
            Tablet
            DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
            1g180 tablets$69.70$0.39

            Typical dosing for Methenamine hippurate (Hiprex)

            Methenamine hippurate:

            • People over 12 years old: The typical dose is 1 gram by mouth twice a day (morning and night).

            • People ages 6 to 12 years old: The typical dose is 0.5 gram to 1 gram by mouth twice a day (morning and night).

            Methenamine mandelate:

            • People over 12 years old: The typical dose is 1 gram by mouth after each meal and at bedtime (for a total of 4 grams a day).

            • People ages 6 to 12 years old: The typical dose is 0.5 gram by mouth after each meal and at bedtime (for a total of 2 grams a day).

            interactions

            Interactions between Methenamine hippurate (Hiprex) and other drugs

            Methenamine hippurate (Hiprex) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Methenamine hippurate (Hiprex). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

            Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

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            How much does Methenamine hippurate (Hiprex) cost?

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            Hiprex (brand)
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            contraindications-icon

            Methenamine hippurate (Hiprex) contraindications

            Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Methenamine hippurate (Hiprex) will not be safe for you to take.
            alternatives

            What are alternatives to Methenamine hippurate (Hiprex)?

            There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Methenamine hippurate (Hiprex). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
            Methenamine hippurate (Hiprex)
            Used for:

            • To prevent and eliminate recurrent UTIs in people who need long-term treatment

            $69.70 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
            Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid)
            Used for:

            • Treatment or prevention of urinary tract infections

            $21.91 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
            Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim
            Used for:
            $8.67 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
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            Methenamine hippurate (Hiprex) images

            White Oblong H 1 - Methenamine Hippurate 1g Tablet
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            This medicine is White, Oblong, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "Cl 20".White Oblong Cl 20 - Methenamine Hippurate 1g Tablet
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            This medicine is White, Oblong, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "E 71".White Oblong E 71 - Methenamine Hippurate 1g Tablet
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            This medicine is Yellow, Oblong, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "W 1037".Yellow Oblong W 1037 - Methenamine Hippurate 1g Tablet

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            References

            Best studies we found

            Chartwell RX, LLC. (2023). Methenamine mandelate tablet, film coated [package insert]. DailyMed.

            Chwa, A., et al. (2019). Evaluation of methenamine for urinary tract infection prevention in older adults: A review of the evidence. Therapeutic Advances in Drug Safety.

            Howard, B., et al. (2007). Methenamine. xPharm: The Comprehensive Pharmacology Reference.

            View All References (3)

            Ingenus Pharmaceuticals, LLC. (2023). Methenamine hippurate tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

            Noureldin, Y. A., et al. (2017). Is it safe to prescribe ascorbic acid for urinary acidification in stone-forming patients with alkaline urine? Turkish Journal of Urology.

            Ovung, A., et al. (2021). Sulfonamide drugs: Structure, antibacterial property, toxicity, and biophysical interactions. Biophysical Reviews.

            GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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