Have you ever had a urinary tract infection? You probably know how uncomfortable it is to have a burning sensation, pain, and frequent urination. So if a doctor prescribes a medication to relieve this discomfort, it's important to know exactly what it is. Today we're talking about one such medication.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, this medicine is a combination of several ingredients. That is, Methenamine, Sodium Acid Phosphate, Methylene Blue, and Hyoscyamine. It is used to relieve pain, inflammation, and discomfort caused by a urinary tract infection or other causes.
But, there is one very important thing to remember. This is not an antibiotic. This means that this medicine will not cure your urinary tract infection. It only controls your symptoms until the infection is cured. To cure the infection, your doctor will prescribe a separate antibiotic.
Therefore, if the doctor prescribes both this medicine and an antibiotic, you should use both exactly as prescribed.
Things to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before using this medicine, it is essential to tell your doctor about any other diseases or conditions you have, as this medicine may not be compatible with some medical conditions.
| Let us know if you have these conditions. | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Glaucoma condition | This medicine may increase eye pressure. |
| Heart disease, high blood pressure | Heart rate may be affected. |
| Kidney or liver disease | Healthy functioning of these organs is necessary for drugs to be properly eliminated from the body. |
| Bladder or prostate problems, difficulty urinating | These conditions can become more severe. |
| The neurological condition myasthenia gravis | Symptoms may worsen. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother | Medical advice is essential as it may affect the baby. |
| If you are on a salt (sodium) controlled diet | This medicine contains sodium. |
| If you have allergies to other medicines, foods or substances | To check for the possibility of an allergy to this medicine. |
How should I use the medicine?
The method of using this medicine is very simple.
- Take this medicine with a glass of water .
- Take the dose prescribed by your doctor, at the right time. Never take more than the prescribed amount.
- Even if you feel a little better, don't stop taking the medicine without consulting your doctor.
- If given to children: This medicine is sometimes prescribed to children over 6 years of age. But this should only be done under the advice of a pediatrician.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . This is an emergency, so do not delay.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Even if a friend of yours has the same symptoms as you, do not share your medicine with others. It can be dangerous.
Things to consider when taking medication
- Drowsiness and dizziness: Some people may feel a little drowsy or dizzy when taking this medicine. Therefore, avoid doing activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how this medicine affects you. Especially if you are an elderly person, stand up slowly when getting up from a sitting position or getting out of bed.
- Dry mouth: You may feel like your mouth is dry. Chewing sugarless gum, sucking on a lollipop, and drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help.
- Dry eyes and blurred vision: This medication may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses, you may experience discomfort. Lubricating drops can be used for this. If this problem persists, see an eye doctor.
- Urine color change: This is something that many people are afraid of, but don't worry. The Methylene Blue in this medicine can cause your urine and possibly your stool to turn a bluish-green color . This is completely normal. This color will return to normal after you stop taking the medicine.
- Food and water: For the Methenamine ingredient in this medication to work properly, your urine needs to be acidic. Therefore, ask your doctor about how much water you should drink per day and what foods to avoid and what foods to help acidify your urine.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.
| Types of side effects | |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Difficulty breathing | Symptoms such as shortness of breath. |
| Heart palpitations | Feeling like your heart is beating fast. |
| Difficulty urinating | No urination or decreased urination. |
| Severe dizziness, blurred vision | When the normal level is exceeded. |
| Usually not serious (but tell your doctor if it persists) | |
| Blue-green urine/stool | This is an expected, harmless condition. |
| Dry mouth | It can usually occur. |
| Nausea, vomiting | It may happen to some people. |
| Tiredness, fatigue | It may be due to the effects of the medication. |
Interactions with other medications
This medicine may interact with some other medicines you are taking. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies) . This is especially important if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- Antacids for gastritis
- Some medications for allergies
- Sulfa-containing antibiotics
- Medications for depression or other mental illnesses (especially MAOIs)
- Medications for Parkinson's disease
- Some medications for bladder problems
- Some medications for high blood pressure
This list is not complete, so it is safest to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.
Take-Home Message
- This medicine does not cure a urinary tract infection. It only controls the symptoms of the infection (inflammation, pain) .
- If the doctor has prescribed an antibiotic, take both it and this medicine as prescribed.
- Tell your doctor about any other illnesses you have and any medications you take.
- Don't worry if your urine turns blue-green while taking the medicine. It's normal.
- Taking the medicine may cause drowsiness and dizziness. Therefore, do not drive.
- If you experience serious side effects, such as difficulty breathing or a severe allergic reaction, see a doctor immediately.
- Store the medicine at room temperature, out of the reach of children.
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