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Hiprex

Also called methenamine hippurate

Key points about Hiprex

Hiprex is used to prevent ongoing or recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Hiprex is also called methenamine hippurate.
Find out how to take it safely and possible side effects.

HN 0914 young woman being counselled over the counter in pharmacy 950x690

Hiprex® is used to prevent ongoing or recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). It works best when your urine is more acidic. In this kind of environment, the medicine turns into an antiseptic that helps stop bacteria from growing.

It's not effective for the treatment of UTIs but may be considered for preventing UTIs. Read more about recurring UTIs.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, Hiprex is available to buy from a pharmacy after a consultation with a pharmacist or on a prescription written by a prescriber.

Do you have gout?
Do you have problems with your kidneys or liver?
Are you pregnant?
Do you have an active urinary tract infection (UTI) or recurring UTIs that you haven’t discussed with your healthcare provider?

If so, it’s important that you tell your healthcare provider or pharmacist before you start Hiprex. Sometimes a medicine isn’t suitable for a person with certain conditions, or it can only be used with extra care.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, Hiprex® is available as tablets (1 g).
The usual dose of Hiprex in adults is 1 tablet 2 times a day – every 12 hours is best.
If you have a catheter, your healthcare provider may increase your dose to 1 tablet 3 times a day.

Take Hiprex regularly to prevent UTIs – don't wait for symptoms to develop before starting it.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Food: Hiprex can be taken with or without food. If you get a sore tummy, take it with food.
Swallowing problems: If you find it difficult to swallow Hiprex tablets, you can halve or crush them and take them with a drink of milk or fruit juice.
Vitamin C: Your healthcare provider may suggest taking vitamin C to make your urine acidic. Hiprex works best when your urine is acidic.
Other medicines: Don’t take Hiprex while you’re taking sulfonamide antibiotics such as co-trimoxazole. This increases your risk of kidney stones.
Don’t use antacids or urinary alkalinisers (such as Ural® sachets) while you’re taking Hiprex. They make your urine less acidic, which stops Hiprex from working properly.
Missed dose: If you forget your dose, take it as soon as you remember. But, if it's nearly time for your next dose, just take the next dose at the usual time. Don't take double the dose.

Like all medicines, Hiprex can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. If you're concerned about any symptoms you think might be related to your medicine, talk to your healthcare provider. The following information offers some guidance but doesn't include all possible side effects.

Side effects can include skin rash, itching, a sore tummy, nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting (being sick). Some people may experience bladder irritation such as a burning sensation and pain on peeing.

Read more about medicines and side effects and reporting a reaction you think might be a side effect.

Recurrent urinary tract infections
Urinary tract infection (UTI) in women (Pokenga pūaha mimi)
Urinary tract infection (UTI) in men

The following link provides further information on Hiprex:

Hiprex(external link) Medsafe Consumer Medicine Information, NZ