Hiprex (Methenamine)

Prescription medicineOnly Available By Prescription

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What if I find a lower price with another pharmacy?

We guarantee the lowest price on all of our prescription products. If you find your medications cheaper at any other recognized licensed mail order pharmacy, we will not only match their price, we will beat it by 25% of the difference. It is our 125% price match guarantee!

Example: If you find a product on Canada Drugs Direct for $50.00 and find the same product for $40.00 at another mail order pharmacy, we will provide you with a $12.50 discount, bringing your total to $37.50.

To get the discount please make sure to mention the price match to the customer service team when they call to collect payment for your order. Or call toll free at 1-888-904-8467 to place the order through the phone.

Terms & Conditions of Program

  • Guaranteed lowest price is only valid at the time of sale.
  • We will only match the current advertised price.
  • Products must be identical and in stock at the time of placing an order with a licensed mail order pharmacy. They must be an online Canadian pharmacy with an address in Canada.
  • Products must be authentic in brand and size (same manufacturer, same country of manufacture, same pack size, same strength and same quantity).
  • Products must be new. We cannot match the price of any used, short expiry or expired product.
  • Price match can only be issued over the phone with our customer service team. Please note at this time we cannot offer price matching for the products Ozempic or Saxenda.
What is a Generic Drug?

A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.

Description

Hiprex (methenamine hippurate) is a prescription medication used to help prevent repeated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in people who need long-term treatment. It is not used to treat an active UTI and should be started only after the infection has been cleared with an antibiotic. In acidic urine, methenamine converts to formaldehyde, which kills the bacteria that commonly cause UTIs, while the hippuric acid ingredient helps keep the urine acidic.

Fact Table

Formula

C15H21N5O3

License

US FDA

Bioavailability

Rapidly and extensively absorbed; approximately 70–90%

Legal status

Rx-only

Chemical Name

Methenamine hippurate (hexamethylenetetramine hippurate)

Elimination half-life

Approximately 4 hours

Dosage (Strength)

1 g tablet; adults and children over 12 years: 1 g twice daily; children 6–12 years: 500 mg to 1 g twice daily

Pregnancy

Safety during early pregnancy has not been established; use only when clearly needed and under medical advice

Brands

Hiprex, Urex

Protein binding

Not established

PubChem CID

21945

MedlinePlus

a682296

ChEBI

6825

ATC code

J01XX05

DrugBank

DB06799; salt ID DBSALT001270

KEGG

D00393

Routes of administration

Oral

Directions

Take Hiprex exactly as prescribed. Adults and children older than 12 years usually take one 1-gram tablet twice daily, once in the morning and once at night.

Children 6 to 12 years of age usually take one-half to one tablet (0.5 to 1 gram) twice daily.

Hiprex works best when the urine is acidic. A healthcare provider may recommend avoiding foods or medicines that make the urine less acidic or taking vitamin C when needed.

A healthcare provider may also order urine tests periodically to check whether the treatment is working.

Ingredients

The active ingredient in Hiprex is methenamine hippurate. Inactive ingredients may include FD and C Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine), magnesium stearate, povidone, and saccharin sodium.

Cautions

Before using this medication, you may want to consult a healthcare provider about the following:

  • Any existing health conditions
  • Any allergies
  • A list of all medications currently being taken

Hiprex contains tartrazine (FD and C Yellow No. 5), which may cause allergic-type reactions in some people, especially those who are also sensitive to aspirin.

Very large doses of methenamine, such as 8 grams daily for several weeks, have caused bladder irritation, painful and frequent urination, protein in the urine, and blood in the urine.

A healthcare provider may check liver function periodically during treatment, especially in people with existing liver problems.

The safety of Hiprex during early pregnancy has not been established. It may also interfere with certain urine hormone tests, including estriol tests, during pregnancy.

Hiprex should be used only for infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by bacteria to help prevent the development of drug-resistant bacteria.

Contraindications

Avoid taking or using this medication if any of the following apply:

  • Kidney or liver problems
  • Severe dehydration
  • Current treatment with a sulfonamide antibiotic, since some sulfonamides can form crystals in the urine when combined with the formaldehyde produced by Hiprex

Side Effects

Common side effects of Hiprex may include:

  • Nausea
  • Upset stomach
  • Painful urination
  • Rash

Side effects with Hiprex are uncommon. Get medical help for painful or bloody urination, or if signs of an allergic reaction develop, such as hives, swelling of the face or throat, or trouble breathing.

References

  • Hiprex Prescribing Information. Parsippany, NJ: Validus Pharmaceuticals LLC; 2017.
  • Hiprex Drug Label Information. Parsippany, NJ: Validus Pharmaceuticals LLC; 2022.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hiprex (Methenamine)


What is Hiprex (Methenamine)?

Hiprex is a brand name for the medication Methenamine. It is a urinary antiseptic used to help prevent recurring urinary tract infections.


What conditions does Hiprex treat?

Hiprex is primarily used to prevent or suppress recurrent urinary tract infections. It is generally used after an active infection has been treated with an appropriate antibiotic.


How does Hiprex work?

Hiprex works by breaking down into formaldehyde in acidic urine. Formaldehyde helps prevent the growth of bacteria in the urinary tract.


Who should take Hiprex?

Hiprex is typically prescribed to individuals who experience recurrent urinary tract infections. It is important to follow your healthcare provider's recommendations regarding its use.


What are the common side effects of Hiprex?

Common side effects of Hiprex may include nausea, upset stomach, painful or difficult urination, and skin rash. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects, consult your doctor.


How is Hiprex taken?

Hiprex is usually taken orally as a tablet. The dosage and frequency will depend on your specific condition, so it's essential to follow your doctor's instructions carefully.


Can I take Hiprex (Methenamine) with other medications?

It's essential to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking to avoid potential drug interactions. Hiprex should not be taken with certain medications, including sulfonamide antibiotics.


Can I stop taking Hiprex once my symptoms improve?

Do not stop taking Hiprex without consulting your healthcare provider, even if you do not have symptoms. Stopping the medication prematurely may reduce its effectiveness in preventing recurrent infections.


Is Hiprex available over-the-counter (OTC)?

Hiprex typically requires a prescription. Availability and prescribing requirements may vary by country.


How long can I take Hiprex?

The duration of Hiprex treatment will depend on your specific condition and your healthcare provider's recommendations. Some individuals may require long-term treatment to help prevent recurrent urinary tract infections.



IMPORTANT NOTE: The information provided above is for general awareness and educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical or veterinary advice. Always consult your physician, pharmacist, or veterinarian regarding the safety, suitability, and proper use of any medication for yourself or your pet.

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