Hiprex Urinary Tract Antibacterial 20 Tablets
Brand: Hiprex (by iNova Pharmaceuticals)
Dosage Form: Oral Tablets
Pack Size: 20 Tablets
Availability: Prescriptions and pharmacist-recommended OTC in some regions

Methenamine hippurate 1 gram

Methenamine Tablets

Methenamine hippurate

Urinary tract antiseptic

UTI prevention Tablets

Bladder antibacterial
Hiprex contains methenamine hippurate, which breaks down in acidic urine to form formaldehyde, a potent antibacterial agent.
Formaldehyde non-selectively kills bacteria in the urinary tract, including E. coli, a common cause of UTIs. It works only in acidic urine (pH ≤ 5.5) and does not promote bacterial resistance like traditional antibiotics.

Prevention and long-term suppression of urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Chronic or recurrent UTIs

UTI prevention in catheterised patients

Post-surgical urinary tract care

Adults and Children over 12 years:

1 Tablet (1g) twice daily (morning and evening), or as directed by your doctor.

Children 6–12 years:

500mg to 1g twice daily (use under supervision of a healthcare provider).

Swallow Tablets whole with a full glass of water.

For best results, maintain an acidic urine pH by avoiding alkaline foods and beverages (e.g., milk, antacids).

Prescriptions Status: Pharmacist-only or prescription (varies by country)

Often used as a non-antibiotic UTI prophylactic

Safe for long-term use under medical supervision

Requires acidic urine to be effective
Gastrointestinal discomfort (nausea, upset stomach)

Skin rash

Mild dysuria (burning sensation)

Rare:

Bladder irritation

Allergic skin reactions

Elevated liver enzymes (in long-term use)

Very Rare (High doses/Chronic use):

Crystalluria

Haematuria (blood in urine)

Chemical cystitis

Renal impairment or severe dehydration

Severe hepatic dysfunction

Metabolic acidosis

Known hypersensitivity to methenamine or formaldehyde

Ensure adequate fluid intake to prevent crystalluria

Not effective in alkaline urine – urine acidifiers may be prescribed if necessary

Do not use during active, acute infections – consult physician first

Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women without medical advice
Sulfonamides (e.g., sulfamethoxazole): May cause crystal precipitation in urine

Urine alkalinisers (e.g., sodium bicarbonate, citrates): Reduce effectiveness

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (e.g., acetazolamide): May reduce urine acidity

Antacids or dairy (alkaline foods): Decrease conversion to formaldehyde

Tip: If on multiple medications, monitor urine pH and consult a pharmacist or doctor.

Therapeutic Class: Urinary Antiseptic

Pharmacologic Class: Antibacterial (non-antibiotic)

Regulatory Status: Pharmacist-only medicine (Schedule 3 – Australia)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1. Can Hiprex be used to treat an active UTI?
A: No. Hiprex is best used for prevention or suppression, not for acute infections. Active UTIs usually require antibiotics.

Q2. How long can I take Hiprex for?
A: Hiprex can be taken for weeks to months, depending on medical advice, especially for people with recurrent UTIs.

Q3. Is Hiprex safe during pregnancy?
A: Hiprex is not routinely recommended in pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. Consult your healthcare provider.

Q4. Can Hiprex be taken with antibiotics?
A: Yes, it can be used as a supplement to antibiotics or between courses to prevent recurrence. However, avoid sulfonamide combinations.

Q5. Does Hiprex cause resistance like antibiotics?
A: No. Since formaldehyde kills bacteria non-specifically, resistance is unlikely to develop, making Hiprex ideal for long-term use.

A study published in The Lancet (1975) demonstrated that methenamine hippurate was as effective as antibiotics for UTI prophylaxis in patients with recurrent infections.

Recent trials suggest that Hiprex reduces UTI recurrence and is suitable for patients unable to tolerate long-term antibiotics.

Reviewed in Cochrane Database for effectiveness in prophylactic use among adults with recurrent UTIs.
Store below 30°C

Keep in original packaging, protected from moisture

Keep out of reach of children

Buy Hiprex Urinary Tract Antibacterial 20 Tablets Online
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Hiprex Tablets, Methenamine hippurate, UTI prevention, non-antibiotic antibacterial, urinary antiseptic, chronic UTI control, Hiprex Australia, EZ Chemist