Hiprex Side Effects
Generic Name: methenamine
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 29, 2020.
Note: This document contains side effect information about methenamine. Some of the dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Hiprex.
For the Consumer
Applies to methenamine: oral tablet
Side effects requiring immediate medical attention
Along with its needed effects, methenamine (the active ingredient contained in Hiprex) 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 while taking methenamine:
Less common
Rare
- Blood in urine
- lower back pain
- pain or burning while urinating
Side effects not requiring immediate medical attention
Some side effects of methenamine 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
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to methenamine: compounding powder, oral suspension, oral tablet
General
This drug was generally well tolerated. Minor side effects have been reported in less than 3.5% of patients and were reversible when the drug was stopped.[Ref]
Dermatologic
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Rash, pruritus
Frequency not reported: Generalized skin rash[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Gastric irritation
Frequency not reported: Nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, stomatitis, gastrointestinal disturbances, diarrhea, abdominal cramping[Ref]
Genitourinary
High doses have been associated with albuminuria, gross hematuria, bladder irritation, and painful/frequent micturition.[Ref]
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Bladder irritation
Frequency not reported: Dysuria, hematuria, urinary frequency, albuminuria[Ref]
Hepatic
Frequency not reported: Elevated AST, elevated ALT[Ref]
Hypersensitivity
Frequency not reported: Hypersensitivity reactions[Ref]
Metabolic
Frequency not reported: Anorexia
Ocular
Frequency not reported: Anterior uveitis[Ref]
References
1. "Product Information. Hiprex (methenamine)." Hoechst Marion-Roussel Inc, Kansas City, MO.
2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
4. Gleckman R, Alvarez S, Joubert D, Matthews S "Drug therapy reviews: methenamine mandelate and methenamine hippurate." Am J Hosp Pharm 36 (1979): 1509-12
5. "Product Information. Mandelamine (methenamine)." Parke-Davis, Morris Plains, NJ.
6. Australian Drug Evaluation Committee "Adverse effects of drugs commonly used in the treatment of urinary tract infection." Med J Aust 1 (1972): 435-8
7. Brumfitt W, Hamilton-Miller J, Gargan R, Cooper J, Smith GW "Long-term prophylaxis of urinary infections in women: comparative trial of trimethoprim, methenamine hippurate and topical povidone-iodine." J Urol 130 (1983): 1110-4
8. Brumfitt W, Cooper J, Hamilton-Miller J "Prevention of recurrent urinary infections in women: a comparative trial between nitrofurantoin and methenamine hippurate." J Urol 126 (1981): 71-4
9. Kolker RJ "Medication-induced bilateral anterior uveitis." Arch Ophthalmol 109 (1991): 1343
More about Hiprex (methenamine)
- During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding
- Dosage Information
- Drug Images
- Drug Interactions
- En Español
- 49 Reviews
- Generic Availability
- Drug class: urinary anti-infectives
Consumer resources
- Other brands
- Urex, Mandelamine
Professional resources
Related treatment guides
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.