methenamine hippurate

Methenamine hippurate is a urinary tract antiseptic used for the prophylaxis and long-term suppression of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). It acts as a prodrug; in the acidic environment of the bladder (pH 5.5 or less), methenamine is hydrolyzed into formaldehyde and ammonia. Formaldehyde is a non-specific bactericidal agent that denatures bacterial proteins and nucleic acids, effectively killing most pathogens without the development of resistance. The hippurate salt component helps maintain the necessary acidic pH of the urine. It is typically administered orally and is particularly useful for patients with chronic or recurrent UTIs where long-term antibiotic use is undesirable.

Brand names

HiprexUrex

Other names

methenaminehexamine hippuratehexamethylenetetramine hippurate