Can Methenamine and Vitamin C Help Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)?

 Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common infections, especially as you get older. You can easily treat the simplest UTI with antibiotics. But for some people, infections may come frequently. For intermittent urinary tract infections, treatments such as Methenamine and vitamin C (ascorbic acid) can reduce the threat of infection.

 What is methenamine?

 Methenamine (Hiprex) is an antibiotic that people often use to help prevent UTIs in the first place. But it's different from other antibiotics that treat active UTIs.

 Maximum UTI treatment kills the bacteria that cause the infection. Methenamine reduces the amount of bacteria in the urine by producing formaldehyde in the urinary tract. This will not kill the bacteria, but it will prevent the bacteria from multiplying in the urine.

 Methenamine may be effective in preventing intermittent UTIs when more common antibiotics don't work.

 Should You Take Methenamine With Vitamin C?

 Some people take vitamin C along with methenamine. This is because vitamin C can help acidify the urine. And methenamine works best when your urine is acidic. It will not actually form formaldehyde unless the pH of the urine reaches a highly acidic position.

 There are mixed data on how effective it is. But 1 to 4 grams of vitamin C may have some benefits. It may work to increase the effect of methenamine on decreasing bacteria in the urine.

 Does vitamin C alone help UTIs?

 Many people use vitamin C as a supplement to help UTIs. But it is not a proven treatment. There are limited and mixed data on vitamin C alone as an effective treatment for UTIs.

 There is some early laboratory research showing that vitamin C can help the growth of some bacteria. But studies have yet to show this in humans. So experts do not recommend vitamin C to help or treat UTIs.

 How do you use methenamine?

 Methenamine is approved for long-term use in people who are at risk for intermittent urinary tract infections. And it is also safe to use in children over 6 years of age with intermittent infections. Depending on the term, people generally take either 500 mg twice a day or 000 mg 4 times a day. There are no specific guidelines for the length of treatment and it can vary from person to person.

 It is important to note that methenamine is not a useful treatment for an active infection. This is because it does not work to kill the bacteria. It works by preventing further growth of bacteria. So you'll need more traditional antibiotics to treat an active UTI. Your provider will go over your treatment options with you and determine if methenamine is a good choice for you.

 What are the benefits of methenamine?

 The use of antibiotics for intermittent UTI infections poses a potential problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This often involves standard treatments such as sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, ciprofloxacin and nitrofurantoin. But with methenamine, the threat of antibiotic resistance is lower. This means you can take methenamine for longer periods of time without developing antibiotic resistance.

 Are there any byproducts of methenamine?

 In general, methenamine is safe to use. But as with any drug, there is a threat of methenamine side products. Most by-products are related to the gastrointestinal (GI) system. You can occasionally avoid this by taking the medicine with food. Implicit by-products of methenamine include

 • Nausea

 • Vomiting

 • Stomach cramps

 • Diarrhea

 • Loss of appetite

 • Rash

 Methenamine can also cause problems if you have certain pre-existing conditions. If so, you should inform your provider

 • does not like aspirin

 • Liver problems (such as cirrhosis)

 • order a complaint

 • Gout

 • She plans to get pregnant

 Which antibiotics should you try before methenamine to help a UTI?

 There are several standard specifics for UTI prevention. The medication your provider often recommends depends on your medical history. Your provider will also take into account the bacteria and treatment in your past infections and any drug preferences or implicit relationships.

 • The preferred treatment for UTI prevention often includes

 • Nitrofurantoin

 • Trimethoprim

 • Cephalexin

 However, methenamine may be a reasonable option to try if you have had no success preventing intermittent UTIs with standard treatment.

UTI, also known as urinary tract infection, is a very common type of infection of the urinary system. A UTI can affect any part of your urethra, ureters, bladder, and kidneys. Symptoms usually include the need to urinate often, discomfort when urinating, and pain in the sides or lower back.

Our experienced healthcare providers will discuss your diagnosis, provide UTI treatment, and counsel you on preventative care and healthy choices. If you’re experiencing any pain, burning sensation, and discomfort from a UTI, then please do not wait because this may progress into a Kidney Infection or worse. Speak to our team at UrgentWay Walk-in Clinic immediately uti treatment urgent care


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Why Are My UTI Symptoms Not Going Away?

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common, especially among women, and are usually resolved with a short course of antibiotics. However, for some individuals, symptoms persist or return shortly after treatment, raising concerns about why the infection isn’t clearing up. This article explores the reasons behind persistent UTI symptoms and what steps can be taken to address them effectively. 1. Understanding UTI Symptoms Common Symptoms of UTIs UTIs typically present with symptoms such as burning during urination, frequent urges to urinate, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, and pelvic discomfort. In more severe cases, fever, chills, or flank pain may indicate a kidney infection. Why Symptoms May Linger Persistent symptoms might indicate an unresolved infection, a resistant bacterial strain, or an entirely different underlying condition. 2. Causes of Persistent UTI Symptoms Antibiotic Resistance One of the most common reasons UTI symptoms don’t resolve is antibiotic resistan...
Read more

Understanding the Timeline for UTI Treatment: From Symptoms to Recovery:

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common infections, particularly affecting women, though men and children can also suffer from them. The burning question for many experiencing the discomfort and pain of a UTI is: how long does it take to wait for treatment? This article explores the timelines associated with seeking and receiving treatment for UTIs, the factors that can influence these timelines, and the different stages of care. Recognizing the Symptoms The first step in the treatment journey is recognizing the symptoms of a UTI. Common signs include a burning sensation during urination, frequent urges to urinate, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, and pelvic pain. Understanding these symptoms and seeking medical advice promptly can significantly affect the duration of discomfort and the severity of the infection. Seeking Medical Attention Once UTI symptoms are identified, the next step is to seek medical attention. The timeline for this stage can vary based on...
Read more

How Long Does It Take to Wait for UTI Treatment?

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are a common health issue, particularly among women. Timely treatment is crucial to prevent complications, but the waiting time for diagnosis and treatment can vary based on several factors. This article delves into the typical waiting periods for UTI treatment, what influences these times, and what patients can do to expedite their care. Understanding Urinary Tract Infections What is a UTI? A Urinary Tract Infection occurs when bacteria, often E. coli, enter the urinary tract and multiply. The infection can affect different parts of the urinary system, including the bladder (cystitis), urethra (urethritis), and kidneys (pyelonephritis). Symptoms include a strong urge to urinate, a burning sensation during urination, cloudy urine, and pelvic pain in women. Importance of Timely Treatment UTIs are generally straightforward to treat with antibiotics, but delays in treatment can lead to severe complications. These include kidney infections, recurre...
Read more