To achieve acidification of the urine when these oral tablets are taken, high doses of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) (1–4 g) can be ingested in conjunction with the methenamine (recommended dose is 1 g twice daily).
No interactions were found between Hiprex and Vitamin C.
But 1 to 4 grams of vitamin C may have some benefits. It may work to enhance the effect of methenamine on decreasing bacteria in the urine.
There is some evidence that vitamin C can decrease a persons risk of developing urinary tract infections. Consider 100 mg daily for prevention. [1] Another regimen used, at first onset of symptoms, is 1,000 mg every 2 hours for 2 days, then 1,000 mg three times a day for 5-10 days.
It may also be recommended to avoid citrus fruits and juices (e.g., orange, grapefruit, lemon), milk and dairy products, and antacids during treatment with Hiprex, as these products may decrease the effectiveness of the medicine.
Bladder irritation and frequent urination
Large doses of methenamine hippurate (Hiprex) (higher than recommended) can cause bladder irritation, frequent and painful urination, protein in your urine, and blood in your urine.
Hiprex is an antibacterial medicine that can be taken on a long-term basis to treat and prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs), for example, if you frequently get UTIs or if you have a catheter.
You should be able to get all the vitamin C you need by eating a varied and balanced diet. If you take vitamin C supplements, do not take too much as this could be harmful. Taking less than 1,000mg of vitamin C supplements a day is unlikely to cause any harm.
The upper limit for vitamin C in adults is 2,000 mg. Individuals with chronic liver disease, gout, or kidney disease are recommended to take no more than 1,000 mg of vitamin C per day. High vitamin C intakes have the potential to increase urinary oxalate and uric acid excretion.
Drink cranberry juice. Large amounts of vitamin C limit the growth of some bacteria by acidifying the urine. Vitamin C supplements have the same effect.
The recommended daily amount for vitamin C is 75 milligrams (mg) a day for women and 90 mg a day for men. During pregnancy, 120 mg a day are recommended. The upper limit for all adults is 2,000 mg a day.
D-mannose, bearberry leaf, and cranberry extract are natural supplements that have been shown to prevent UTIs and decrease recurrence.
Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by HIPREX or other antibacterial drugs in the future.
Vitamin C is generally safe, but in large doses (anything over 2,000mg), it can cause diarrhea and nausea. High doses can also result in falsely elevated blood glucose readings, which can be problematic for diabetics.
You can take vitamin C supplements at any time of day, with or without food, although taking ascorbic acid with foods can help decrease the potential gastrointestinal side effects caused by its high acidity ( 7 ).
It has been linked to many impressive health benefits, such as boosting antioxidant levels, lowering blood pressure, protecting against gout attacks, improving iron absorption, boosting immunity, and reducing heart disease and dementia risk.
They found that those with a high intake of vitamin C from food and supplements were more likely to report symptoms of overactive bladder. Overall, 35 percent of the women reported such symptoms.
1. Kakadu plums. The Kakadu plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana) is an Australian native superfood containing 100 times more vitamin C than oranges. It has the highest known concentration of vitamin C, containing up to 2,907 mg per 100 grams.
Research suggests the average half-life of vitamin C in an adult human body is between 10 and 20 days 1.
Vitamin C: Your doctor may suggest to take vitamin C which can make your urine acidic. Hiprex works best when your urine is acidic.
Eating more protein and foods such as cranberries (especially cranberry juice with vitamin C added), plums, or prunes may also help. If your urine is still not acid enough, check with your doctor. If this medicine causes nausea or upset stomach, it may be taken after meals and at bedtime.
Hiprex is a urinary antibacterial agent with a wide antibacterial spectrum covering both gram-positive and gram-negative organisms. Urinary antibacterial activity can be shown within 30 minutes of administration.
Within ½ hour after ingestion of a single 1-gram dose of HIPREX, antibacterial activity is demonstrable in the urine.
very serious loss of body water. liver problems. severe liver disease. decreased kidney function.
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking hyoscyamine. You should be warned not to exceed recommended dosages and to avoid activities requiring mental alertness.