Methenamine hippurate + Vitamin C

Methenamine hippurate + vitamin C is a combination therapy used primarily for preventing recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). This combination works through a specific mechanism where methenamine hippurate acts as a urinary antiseptic, while vitamin C (ascorbic acid) helps create an acidic urinary environment that enhances methenamine's effectiveness. Methenamine hippurate works by breaking down into formaldehyde in acidic urine, which has antibacterial properties that prevent bacteria from growing in the urinary tract. For this conversion to occur effectively, the urine pH needs to be below 5.5. This is where vitamin C comes in - it helps acidify the urine, potentially enhancing methenamine's antibacterial effect. The typical dosage for methenamine hippurate (Hiprex) is 1 gram twice daily, taken approximately 12 hours apart. Vitamin C is often recommended alongside methenamine, with dosages ranging from 500 mg to 4 grams daily. Both medications are usually taken with food and a full glass of water.