Does Hiprex cure UTI?

Are antibiotics harmful if used regularly for UTIs?

Antimicrobial stewardship aims to reduce the widespread use of antimicrobials due to the risk of developing antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This helps to protect our health and the health of future generations.

Methenamine hippurate (Hiprex) is a drug that can prevent urinary tract infections as an alternative medicine to low-dose prophylactic antibiotics. Using these options can help reduce our reliance on antibacterial medicine and reduce the risk of developing resistance.

Recurrent urinary tract infections

Recurrent UTIs mean getting multiple infections in the urinary tract, which is a common problem.

Recurrent urinary tract infection is defined as having three or more bacterial infections in a year or two or more in six months. The urinary tract includes kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, and UTIs are caused by bacterial infections that can afflict any of these.

Symptoms of recurrent UTIs vary, but some common ones include increased urination, burning when you pass urine, bloody urine, passing small amounts often, urine can be smelly or cloudy urine, and pain in your lower abdomen or back.

Recurrent UTIs can happen for a few reasons. Such as having an unusual shape in your urinary tract, having a catheter, not being very clean, having a weakened immune system, having hormonal changes, being sexually active, or having genetics that make you more prone to UTIs. It is important to do all the necessary medical tests to confirm the presence of bacterial infections as other medical conditions can mimic a UTI and need to be excluded.

Preventing urinary tract infections with methenamine hippurate

Hiprex contains the active ingredient methenamine hippurate, a urinary tract antiseptic.

1. The methenamine component breaks down into formaldehyde in acidic urine, creating an environment that is toxic to bacteria and inhibiting their growth.
2. The medication's hippuric acid component helps maintain the acidic environment in the urine, which enhances the effectiveness of the formaldehyde produced by methenamine.

The formaldehyde released by methenamine damages the bacterial cell wall, leading to bacterial death. This makes Hiprex effective in treating bacterial infections and preventing UTIs. It's important to note that Hiprex does not kill all types of bacteria that cause a urinary tract infection. It should not be used to treat pyelonephritis (kidney infection) or an active infection.

Do I need to take Vitamin C with Hiprex?

There is no specific recommendation for taking vitamin C with Hiprex. However, some studies suggest that taking vitamin C supplements may help by acidifying the urine and inhibiting the growth of.

It is important to note that high doses of vitamin C (more than 2000 mg/day) can cause some side effects like stomach upset, diarrhoea, and other side effects.

What is the dose of Hiprex?

The recommended dose may vary depending on the individual's age, weight, medical condition, and response to treatment. The usual adult dose for preventing UTIs is 1 gram (two 500-mg tablets) taken twice a day orally or as directed by your caring healthcare professional.

How can I take Hiprex tablets?

Hiprex should be taken with a full glass of water and preferably after meals to reduce the risk of stomach upset. It is essential to drink plenty of fluids while taking Hiprex to ensure the medication is effective and to prevent kidney damage.

The tablets may be halved or crushed.

How fast does it act?

Urinary antibacterial activity happens within 30 minutes of taking the medication.

I missed my Hipprex dose. What can I do?

If you miss a dose of Hiprex, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Repeated skipping doses leads to decreased effectiveness.

What are the possible side effects of Hiprex?

Common side effects of Hiprex include stomach irritation, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

Can Hiprex injur the bladder?

Excessive doses of Hiprex than recommended can lead to bladder irritation, urinary frequency and pain when passing urine, presence of protein or blood in the urine.

Is Hiprex safe long-term?

Hiprex can be taken long-term, and severe side effects have not been reported.

Does Hiprex cause bladder irritation?

Bladder irritation is a potential side effect of Hiprex, although it is uncommon. In some cases, Hiprex can cause bladder irritation, which may lead to symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, burning or pain during urination, and lower abdominal discomfort.

What are the drug interactions?

Some medications may interact with Hiprex, so it is important to inform your NHS consultant, private urologist or general practitioner about all the medications you are currently taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements.

Some medications that may cause adverse effects with Hiprex include:

• Urinary alkalinizers, such as sodium bicarbonate and potassium citrate: These medications may decrease the acidity of the urine, which can reduce the effectiveness of Hiprex due to the high urinary ph.
• Sulfonamides, such as sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (Bactrim, Septra): These medications may interact with Hiprex and increase the risk of side effects, such as nausea and vomiting.
• Antacids containing magnesium trisilicate: These medications may reduce the absorption of Hiprex, making it less effective.
• Certain antibiotics, such as tetracycline and erythromycin, may also reduce the effectiveness of Hiprex.

It is important to abide by what has been recommended by your doctor or pharmacist for dosage and administration instructions to prevent any serious side effects.

Important safety information

Hiprex should not be used by people with certain medical conditions, such as severe kidney disease (renal impairment) or liver problems.

Not recommended in children under 6 years of age.

Are there any concerns concerning pregnancy and lactation

1. Pregnancy. There is insufficient evidence of the safety of Hiprex in human pregnancy. As a precautionary action, it is preferable to avoid its use.
2. Breast-feeding. Methenamine was found to be present in breast milk. It is preferable to avoid its use.
   

Is there any clinical evidence to support the use of Hiprex?

The ATLAR study provides evidence there is a role of Hiprex in protecting women who suffer from recurring urinary tract infections.

Are there alternatives to Hiprex?

Yes, there are other drugs to Hiprex (methenamine hippurate) for preventing UTIs. Some of the commonly used alternatives include:

1. Antibiotics: are commonly prescribed to treat and prevent UTIs. However, prolonged use of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance. As clinicians, we try to avoid prolonged use of antibiotics.
2. D-Mannose: is a natural sugar that prevents bacteria from adhering to the bladder walls.
3. Probiotics: possible role in keeping a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut and urinary tract. Some studies suggest that certain strains of probiotics can help prevent UTIs.
4. Hyaluronic Acid bladder instillations
5. Oestrogen cream or pessaries in post menopausal females.
6. Uroimmune vaccine. A bacterial extract contains components of various strains of bacteria commonly associated with UTIs, such as E. coli and Klebsiella. It is thought to work by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against these bacteria.

Reflection

Hiprex works, but not in every patient who suffers from recurrent UTIs. One has to remember that various reasons lead to these infections. Certain medical tests need to be done as part of the workup. These include urine and blood tests, imaging and camera test (flexible cystoscopy).

The doctor will guide you on lifestyle changes that are the foundation on which other medicines or drugs can be used to treat UTIs. The unnecessary use of antibiotics can help certain bacteria build up their resistance, and alternatives must be found to counteract this.