Hiprex (Methenamine Hippurate)

You should not use HIPREX if you have kidney disease, severe liver disease, if you also take a sulfa drug, or if you are dehydrated.

You should not use HIPREX if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• kidney disease;
• severe liver disease;
• if you also take a sulfa drug (Azulfidine, Bactrim, Septra, SMZ-TMP, Sulfazine, and others); or
• if you are dehydrated.

To make sure HIPREX is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• liver disease;
• asthma;
• an allergy to aspirin; or
• if you are allergic to yellow food dye.

It is not known whether HIPREX will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.

HIPREX can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms.

Common side effects may include:

• painful or difficult urination;
• upset stomach, nausea; or
• rash.

HIPREX may be only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes a special diet. Follow the diet plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor. Get familiar with the list of foods you must eat or avoid to help control your condition.

You may need to avoid citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, and lemons (including juices).

Ask your doctor before using an antacid, and use only the type your doctor recommends. Some antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb HIPREX.

Other drugs may interact with HIPREX, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Taking more of this medicine than prescribed will not make it more effective. Taking too much HIPREX may cause unwanted side effects, such as bladder irritation, pain, increased urination, and blood in the urine.

Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking HIPREX. Your doctor may recommend drinking certain types of liquid (such as cranberry juice) or taking other medicines to make your urine more acidic. Your doctor may also recommend increasing protein in your diet, but avoiding milk or other dairy products. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.

You may need frequent urine tests to determine that an infection has cleared. You may also need blood tests to check your liver function.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. HIPREX will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

Do not use HIPREX to treat any condition that has not been checked by your doctor.

Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.