Hiprex (Methenamine Hippurate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Hiprex Used For?
Hiprex is a urinary antibacterial medication that helps prevent and control bacterial infections in your urinary tract.
Primary Uses
Hiprex is used for prevention or suppression of bacteria in the urine that can cause chronic or recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs).
How It Works
Hiprex breaks down to formaldehyde under acidic conditions in urine, which helps fight bacteria in the urinary tract.
How to Take Hiprex
Take Hiprex exactly as directed to get the best results from your treatment.
Dosage Instructions
Adults and children 12 years or older: Take 1 tablet twice daily, with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Not recommended for use in children under 12 years. Do not exceed the recommended dosage.
Important: Follow the instructions provided with the medicine and do not exceed the recommended dosage.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Painful or difficult urination
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain or stomach irritation
- Itchy skin or rashes
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Blood in urine (haematuria)
Important Warnings
Before taking Hiprex, make sure it’s safe for you by reviewing these important warnings.
Who Should Not Take Hiprex
Do not use Hiprex if you are allergic to methenamine hippurate, formaldehyde, or any of the ingredients. Do not use if you have severe kidney failure, kidney infection, severe dehydration or gout. Do not use if you have neurogenic bladder, renal tract abnormalities or are using long-term catheters. Do not use if you have severe liver impairment or metabolic acidosis.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any other medical conditions, take any medicines for any other conditions, or are experiencing frequent or recurring urinary tract infections.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed. Methenamine is found in breast milk in very small amounts.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Hiprex and affect how it works.
Important: As Hiprex breaks down to formaldehyde under acidic conditions in urine, using urinary alkalising agents such as potassium citrate, or antacid medicines may reduce its effectiveness and should be avoided.
- Alkalising agents
- Antacids
- Potassium citrate
Alcohol & Driving
Hiprex is not expected to affect your ability to drive or operate machinery, but be cautious until you know how it affects you.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Hiprex affects you. Hiprex is not expected to have any effect on your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Storage
Store below 30°C. Keep bottle tightly closed and airtight. This medicine contains a desiccant cannister to protect the product from moisture – the desiccant is not intended for consumption. Store in a cool dry place away from moisture, heat or sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car or on window sills. Keep where young children cannot reach it.
Overdose Information
If you think you have used too much Hiprex, you may need urgent medical attention. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
The source material doesn’t specify how long Hiprex takes to work. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist for information about when you might expect to see results.
Yes, you can take Hiprex with or without food. Take 1 tablet twice daily, swallowing it whole with a glass of water.
The source material doesn’t indicate that Hiprex is addictive. It’s a urinary antibacterial agent used to prevent bacterial infections in the urinary tract.
The source material doesn’t specifically mention alcohol interactions with Hiprex. Check with your doctor or pharmacist about alcohol consumption while taking this medication.
The source material doesn’t provide specific instructions for missed doses. Contact your doctor or pharmacist for guidance on what to do if you miss a dose.
The dosage instructions are the same for adults and children 12 years or older. However, elderly patients should check with their doctor or pharmacist, especially if they have other medical conditions or take other medicines.
The source material doesn’t provide information about stopping Hiprex suddenly. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before stopping your medication.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.