What you need to know about HIPREX tablets

Please read this carefully before you start to take your medication. This leaflet only provides a summary of the information available on your medicine. If you have any questions or are not sure about anything, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

The name of your medication is HIPREX tablets

These tablets contain an active ingredient, methenamine hippurate, which is an antibacterial agent. Each tablet contains 1 gram of methenamine hippurate. It also contains the following inactive ingredients: magnesium stearate, povidone grade K25, Aerosil grade 200 V. The original pack contains 60 tablets.

What your medication is prescribed for

Methenamine hippurate is an antibacterial agent which acts against the bacteria often found in urine (water) infections. These tablets are used for the treatment and prevention of urine infections.

For example:

• 1. To prevent infection recurring after a course of antibiotics.
• 2. To prevent repeated attacks of cystitis.
• 3. To reduce water infections when you have a catheter in your bladder.
• 4. To prevent infections occurring following examinations of your urinary system.
• 5. To treat a water infection.

Important points to note before taking HIPREX tablets

If you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant or are trying to become pregnant, or are taking other medications, please tell your doctor before taking HIPREX tablets.

• These tablets should not be used if you are dehydrated or suffer from metabolic acidosis (a chemical blood disorder). If you have liver or kidney disease or gout, please tell your doctor before taking these tablets.
• You should not take these tablets if you are also taking certain antibiotics (eg sulphonamides) or alkalising agents (eg potassium citrate or acetazolamide). Your doctor or pharmacist will advise you about these medicines.
• If you see any other doctor or dentist, please tell them that you are taking Hiprex tablets.

Use of HIPREX tablets during pregnancy and breast feeding

Like other medication, methenamine hippurate should not be used if you are pregnant, unless your doctor tells you to.

How to take HIPREX tablets

• Please follow your doctor’s instructions on how often to take these tablets.
• For adults the usual dose is one tablet (1 gram) twice a day.
• In patients with catheters in the bladder, the dose may be increased to one tablet three times a day.
• For children the usual dose is half a tablet (500 mg) twice a day.
• If you find it difficult to swallow the tablets whole, they may be crushed and taken with a drink of milk or fruit juice.
• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then carry on taking the tablets as recommended by your doctor or pharmacist.
• If you are not sure how many tablets to take or how often to take them, please ask your doctor or pharmacist.

What to do in case of accidental overdosage

Please contact your nearest hospital casualty department, or tell your doctor, immediately.

What might happen when you are taking HIPREX tablets

Like other medications, methenamine hippurate may cause some side-effects. These may include itching, rashes, stomach upset or bladder irritation.

If you notice any other side-effects, please tell your doctor or pharmacist. If any side-effects continue for more than a few days, please tell your doctor.

Storing your medication

• Store these tablets in a safe place where children cannot reach them.
• Store these tablets below 30°C and out of direct sunlight.
• Keep bottle tightly closed.
• Do not use this product after the expiry date printed on the original container.
• If your doctor decides to stop treatment, return any unused tablets to your doctor or pharmacist.