Hipomax is indicated in the prophylaxis and treatment of urinary tract infactions. As maintenance therapy after successful initial treatment of acute infections with antibiotics. As long-term therapy in the prevention of recurrent cystitis. To suppress urinary infection in patients with indwelling catheters and to reduce the incidence of catheter blockage. To provide prophylaxis against the introduction of infection into the urinary tract during instrumental procedures. Asymptomatic bacteriuria.
Methenamine is a heterocyclic organic compound with a cage-like structure similar to adamantane. In salt form it is used for the treatment of urinary tract infection (Example: methenamine hippurate which is the hippuric acid salt of methenamine).
One tablet (1 g) twice daily for adults and children over 12 years of age. One-half tablet or one tablet (0.5 or 1 g) twice daily for children 6 to 12 years of age. The antibacterial activity of Methenamine is greater in acid urine. Therefore, restriction of alkalinizing foods and medications is desirable. If necessary, as indicated by urinary pH and clinical response, supplemental acidification of the urine may be instituted. The efficacy of therapy should be monitored by repeated urine cultures.
Adverse effects of Hipomax have been reported in fewer than 3.5% of patients treated. These reactions have included the following, in decreasing order of frequency: nausea, vomiting, and rarely pruritus, rash, dysuria. Children have received Hipomax at the recommended dosages as a prophylactic/suppressive regimen after initial treatment of acute episodes of pyuria. Side effects were encountered in only 1.1% of these children.
Always consult a registered doctor before taking any medicine. This information is for general knowledge only.
Methenamine is contraindicated in patients with renal insufficiency, severe hepatic insufficiency, or severe dehydration. It should not be used as the sole therapeutic agent in acute parenchymal infections causing systemic symptoms.
Prescribing Hipomax in the absence of a proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection or a prophylactic indication is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of the development of drug-resistant bacteria. Care should be taken to maintain an acid pH of the urine, especially when treating infections due to urea-splitting organisms such as Proteus and strains of Pseudomonas. In a few instances in one study, the serum transaminase levels were slightly elevated during treatment but returned to normal while the patients were still taking Hipomax. Because of this report, it is recommended that liver function studies be performed periodically on patients taking the drug, especially those with liver dysfunction.