Methenamine: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What Drug Methenamine?

What is methenamine for?

Methenamine is an antibiotic drug commonly used to treat urinary tract infections. Usually the doctor will prescribe this drug when a variety of other medicines do not work to treat the infection you are experiencing.

This drug works by fighting, destroying, and slowing down the growth of bacteria. By taking this medicine, the bacteria that cause infection in the urinary tract will be destroyed.

Although it is effective in treating infectious diseases, this antibiotic will not work to treat infections caused by viruses. Because, basically, antibiotics cannot fight viruses, such as influenza. To deal with an infection caused by a virus, an antivirus is needed.

It is important to note that antibiotics must be used with caution. Taking antibiotics that are not needed can make the bacteria in your body resistant. If you have this, you will be more susceptible to infection. So, make sure you use this drug as recommended by your doctor.

How is methenamine used?

Follow all directions for using the drug as instructed by the doctor or listed on the product packaging. If you don't really understand how to use this drug, don't hesitate to consult a doctor.

Each person may get a different dose of antibiotics. This is because the dosage is usually adjusted to the health condition and the patient's response to treatment.

Apart from having to take the drug according to the recommended dosage, make sure you do not give this drug to other people even if they complain of similar symptoms. Remember, as mentioned above, antibiotics should not be used carelessly.

Reducing or even increasing the dose of antibiotics can decrease the effectiveness of the drug and even trigger dangerous side effects. A number of side effects may arise such as bladder irritation, intense pain, frequent urination, and urine mixed with blood. So that you do not experience these side effects, use this medication exactly as instructed by your doctor.

This medication generally works better if the urine has a more acidic pH. Your doctor may recommend that you drink certain types of fluids (cranberry juice) or take other medications to make your urine more acidic.

Antibiotics work best when the levels of medicines in your body are stable. Therefore, make sure you take this antibiotic drug regularly every day. Make notes in a special book or reminders on your cellphone so that you always remember your medication schedule.

Keep taking this medicine even though you feel that your condition has healed. Skipping doses can lead to antibiotic resistance, which can make your condition worse. Tell your doctor immediately if your urinary tract infection does not get better or gets worse. Your doctor can change the dose or prescribe another medication that is more suitable and safer for your condition.

How is methenamine stored?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it.

Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed.

Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Methenamine dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of methenamine for adults?

To treat urinary tract infections, the recommended dosage of the drug is 1000 milligrams (mg) taken twice a day.

Each person will probably get a different dose. The dosage is usually adjusted according to the age, health condition, and the patient's response to treatment.

Your doctor may change the dose of your medication to make sure you are getting the right dose. You still have to take the medicine as prescribed even though the doctor changes the dose of the drug several times.

Make sure not to take more or less of the drug than recommended. Apart from decreasing the effectiveness of the drug, it can also increase the side effects.

What is the dose of methenamine for children?

The dosage of the drug in children is adjusted according to their age and body weight. The doctor will also adjust the dose of the drug based on their blood pressure response. Please consult a doctor to find out the exact dose of this drug that is safe for children.

• To treat urinary tract infections in children under 6 years of age, the recommended dosage of the drug is 18 mg / kgBW orally 4 times a day.
• In children 6 to 12 years of age, the dose of the drug is 500-1000 mg taken 2 times a day. Meanwhile, for children who are over 12 years of age, the dosage is the same as the adult dosage.

In what dosage is methenamine available?

This drug is available in tablet form with a strength of 500 mg and 100 mg.

Methenamine side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to methenamine?

Just like other drugs, this drug also has the potential to cause side effects from mild to severe. Some of the most common side effects that people complain about after taking this antibiotic include:

• Stomach ache
• Stomach cramps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• A reddish rash appears on the skin
• Decreased appetite

This medication may also have other side effects, such as painful urination. If you experience these side effects, it's best to tell your doctor right away. Your doctor may decrease the dose or change the course of medication to make your urine less acidic.

You should also tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following unusual side effects:

• Sores or canker sores appear in the mouth for no apparent reason
• Unusually severe headache
• Ringing in ears
• Muscle cramp
• Swelling in the arms and legs

In rare cases, this antibiotic can cause a severe allergic reaction. In medical terms, this condition is known as anaphylactic shock. When this happens, a person will usually produce symptoms such as:

• Skin rash
• Itchy rash
• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Consciousness was almost lost

Not everyone experiences side effects when using this drug. There may also be some side effects not mentioned above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Methenamine Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using methenamine?

Before taking this drug, there are a number of things you need to know and pay attention to, including:

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you have any allergies to the antibiotic methenamine or any other type of antibiotic. Ask your doctor about the list of ingredients that make up this medication to prevent recurrence of allergic reactions.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you have an allergy to aspirin and yellow food coloring. These antibiotics may have negative side effects when used together with both.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you have recently been or will be taking certain medications regularly. Either prescription or nonprescription drugs, especially antacids, sulfamethizole, diuretics ("water pills").
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you have or have a history of chronic liver and kidney dysfunction and respiratory diseases such as asthma.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you plan to become pregnant, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

Another thing to note

While taking this medication, you may need to have periodic urine tests to determine the response to treatment. If needed, your doctor may also order blood tests to check your liver function.

In order for the drug to work more optimally, doctors will usually ask you to eat foods that are high in protein. Even so, you should avoid milk or milk-derived products. Make sure you follow the doctor's instructions carefully and carefully.

Also, use this medication for the length of time prescribed by your doctor, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can make the bacteria resistant or resistant to the drug.

If you experience a number of symptoms such as painful urination and bright red or pink urine, you should see a doctor immediately. These symptoms can be triggered because you are taking this drug higher than the recommended dose.

Therefore, make sure you use this medicine carefully and as directed by your doctor. If you experience unusual symptoms or even make you unable to do your normal activities, seek medical attention immediately. In essence, do not hesitate to see a doctor if your condition does not improve or gets worse.

The sooner it is treated, the easier the treatment will be and your chances of a full recovery will be even greater. This can also make it easier for your doctor to make the decision to change the dose or change the type of drug that is more suitable for your condition.

Is methenamine safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women?

The safety of this medicine for pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and babies is still unknown. Because, there is no research that actually proves that this drug is safe for these various conditions. Therefore, always consult your doctor or midwife before using any medicine. Especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.

This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category C according to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), or the equivalent of the Food and Drug Administration (BPOM) in Indonesia.

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = Not at risk
• B = No risk in several studies
• C = May be risky
• D = There is positive evidence of risk
• X = Contraindicated
• N = Unknown

Because this drug is in category C, you should first consult your doctor to ensure its safety.

Meanwhile, for breastfeeding mothers, there is no clear evidence whether this drug harms the baby or not. To avoid various negative possibilities, do not take this medicine carelessly or without the doctor's permission.

Methenamine Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with methenamine?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this article.

Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

A number of drugs that can interact negatively with the drug methenamine include:

• Acetazolamide
• Mafenide
• Silver Sulfadiazine
• Sulfabenzamide
• Sulfacetamide
• Sulfacytine
• Sulfadiazine
• Sulfamerazine
• Sulfamethazine
• Sulfamethoxazole
• Sulfanilamide
• Sulfapyridine
• Sulfasalazine
• Sulfathiazole
• Sulfisoxazole
• Zonisamide

Can food or alcohol interact with methenamine?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or around meals at certain foods or foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with methenamine?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• Chronic dehydration as this will worsen your condition
• Chronic kidney disease
• Chronic liver disease

Methenamine overdose

What to do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the emergency medical services provider (119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

When someone has an overdose, they will usually experience typical symptoms such as:

• Too low blood pressure (hypotension) which makes the head dizzy
• Fainting
• Fast and irregular heartbeat
• Slower than normal heart rate

What should I do if I forget to take medicine or forget to take medicine?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if you just remember when it's time for the next dose, just ignore the missed dose, and continue taking it as scheduled. Do not use this medication in double doses.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical consultation, diagnosis or treatment.