Urex
Brand Names
Hiprex, Mandelamine, UrexWhat is Urex
Urex (Methenamine) is an urinary anti-infective antibiotic which treats and prevents recurrence of urinary tract infections.
Side effects of Urex
Stop using Urex if you have noticed the following side effects:
- an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue or hives)
- lower back or side pain
- blood in urine
- increasingly painful or difficult urination
Taking this medicine is not recommended if you have nausea or upset stomach, decreased appetite orskin rash.
Indication
There are 2 forms of Urex: tablet and liquid. It is taken by mouth after meals and at bedtime.
This medicine is used to prevent urinary tract infections caused by certain bacteria.
You should not use urex for treatment of an active infection. It is an urinary antiseptic which works by stopping the development of bacteria in urine. In addition, this medicine consists of an ingredient that helps to make the urine acidic. Then urex changes into formaldehyde in order to destroy the bacteria. You may use Urex only against bacterial infections in the urinary tract, because it won't treat other types of bacterial infections or viral infections.
Precautions
It is obligatory to tell your doctor if you have:
- allergic reaction to methenamine, aspirin, tartrazine or any other drugs
- you have kidney or liver disease
- if you are pregnant or want to become pregnant
- if you are breastfeeding
Before taking Urex inform your doctor if you are using sulfonamides (e.g., sulfamethizole), because they may lessen Urex's efficacy.
Dosage forms
The dose of Urex for adults and children over 12 years of age is 1 tablet (1g) twice daily.
The dose of Urex for children 6-12 years of age is One-half tablet or 1 tablet (0.5 or 1 g) twice daily.
The antibacterial activity of urex is stronger in acid urine, therefore it's desirable to restrict alkalinizing of foods and medications. The effectiveness of therapy should be checked by repeated urine cultures.
