Methenamine
Other Antibacterials
Sold as URIBEL TABS
- Drug class
- Other Antibacterials
- Availability
- Prescription and OTC
- Routes
- Oral
- Markets covered
- 2
- Products on record
- 7
- FDA reports (12 mo)
- 236
Overview
Plain-language summary, compiled from the cited regulatory records
Methenamine is an antibacterial agent [1]. It belongs to the drug class of Other Antibacterials [1]. Methenamine hippurate tablets are approved for the prophylactic or suppressive treatment of urinary tract infections that occur frequently, when long-term therapy is deemed necessary [1]. This medication should be used only after an infection has been cleared by other suitable antimicrobial agents [1].
Methenamine hippurate is available under various brand names, including URIBEL TABS [1]. In the past 12 months, there have been 236 adverse event reports associated with methenamine [2]. The most frequently reported reactions include urinary tract infection, diarrhea, fatigue, eye pain, and nausea [2].
This is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Regulatory status by market
| Market | Regulator | Products | Last revision |
|---|---|---|---|
| US United States | FDA | 5 | January 8, 2026 |
| GB United Kingdom | MHRA | 2 | May 1, 2026 |
USUnited States· FDA
5 products
Uses
INDICATIONS
Methenamine hippurate tablets are indicated for prophylactic or suppressive treatment of frequently recurring urinary tract infections when long-term therapy is considered necessary. This drug should only be used after eradication of the infection by other appropriate antimicrobial agents.
To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of methenamine hippurate tablets and other antibacterial drugs, methenamine hippurate tablets should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria.
When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.
GBUnited Kingdom· MHRA
2 products
Uses
Methenamine Tablets is indicated in the prophylaxis of uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections: 1. As long-term prophylactic therapy after initial treatment with appropriate chemotherapeutic agent of recurrent urinary infections.
2. As long-term therapy in the prevention of recurrent cystitis. 3. To provide prophylaxis in patients with indwelling catheters, urine collector etc. and to reduce the incidence of catheter blockage. 4. To provide prophylaxis against the introduction of infection into urinary tract during instrumental procedures.
5. Asymptomatic bacteriuria.
How to take
Drug interactions
Known interactions involving Methenamine. Select one for details. This list is informational and not a complete interaction checker.
Interaction data compiled from DDInter (academic, CC-BY). Severity classification only - this is not a complete interaction checker and not medical advice.
Sources & citations
- [1]FDA DailyMed · 056b14e1-4e31-45… · revised October 24, 2025 [PDF]
- [2]MHRA (UK) · PL127620552 · revised April 10, 2026
- [3]OpenFDA adverse-event reports (US), 12 months ending June 4, 2026.
Information on this page is compiled from public regulatory records. Drugvu is not affiliated with any regulator or pharmaceutical manufacturer. This is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.