What is Methenamine?
Methenamine is an antibacterial medication used for treating or preventing bladder infections among adults and children older than 6 years of age.Methenamine can be used in other ways not mentioned in the medication guide.
Side effects of Methenamine
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy reaction, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling in your lips, face, throat, or tongue.
Methenamine may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Increased urination
- Painful urination
- Blood in urine
- Shortness of breath.
Side effects common to methenamine include:
- Painful urination
- Nausea, vomiting;
- Rash, itching.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice about side effects, call your physician. Report adverse events by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Amoxicillin, Doxycycline, Cephalexin, Ciprofloxacin, Auxilium, Ceftriaxone, and Levofloxacin
Warnings
Do not use it other than as prescribed. Inform your doctor of any other medications you are taking or if there is a medical condition or allergy.
Before you take this drug
Methenamine should be avoided if:
- Kidney disease
- Severe liver disease
- If you are dehydrated.
If you have ever suffered from liver disease, ask your doctor or pharmacist whether methenamine can be used safely. Before taking this medication while pregnant, please speak with your healthcare provider first. Breastfeeding is not recommended.
How to take Methenamine?
Follow the instructions on the packaging or those prescribed by your physician. The best time to use phenamine is when the pH of your urine is low and acidic. Use urine test strips from the pharmacy to measure pH at home. Your doctor will test your urine periodically to ensure that an infection is gone. Find out what foods you should eat and avoid in order to keep your urine pH balanced. Other medicines may be prescribed by your doctor. Take plenty of fluids. Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions regarding diet and medications. Continue to use this medication even if you notice a rapid improvement in your symptoms. If you skip doses, your infection may become resistant to the medication. The virus, such as the flu or common cold, will not be treated by phenamine. Tell your doctor that you are using methenamine. Inform any doctors who treat you about your use of methenamine. Methenamine should not be used to treat conditions that have not been examined by your physician. This medication should not be shared with anyone, even if their symptoms match those of another. Keep the bottle at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. When not in use, keep the bottle closed tightly.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Unless it is almost time for your next dose, do not double up and take two at the same time. Only ever take one dose at a time.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Take extra methenamine with caution. You may experience side effects like bladder irritation, increased urination, and blood in your urine.
Interaction with other drug
Methenamine can be affected by other drugs, particularly sulfa medications. Inform your doctor of all the medicines that you take. You should tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, including prescriptions and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbs.
