Hexamethylenamine

Hexamethylenamine Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.

Hexamethylenamine is a heterocyclic organic compound with a cage-like structure similar to adamantane. In salt form it is used for the treatment of urinary tract infection (Example: methenamine hippurate which is the hippuric acid salt of methenamine).

Ingestion of a 1-gram dose of methenamine hippurate produces antibacterial activity in the urine within 1/2 hour. Administration of 1 g twice daily produces continuous antibacterial activity in the urine.

Trade Name Hexamethylenamine
Availability Rx and/or OTC
Generic Methenamine
Methenamine Other Names Hexamethylenamine, Hexamethylene tetramine, Hexamethylenetetramine, Hexamethylentetramin, Hexamethylentetraminum, Hexamine, Hexaminum, HMTA, metenamina, méthénamine, Methenamine, methenaminum
Related Drugs amoxicillin, doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, cephalexin, ceftriaxone, levofloxacin, Augmentin, amoxicillin / clavulanate, nitrofurantoin, Keflex
Type
Formula C6H12N4
Weight Average: 140.1863
Monoisotopic: 140.106196404
Groups Approved, Vet approved
Therapeutic Class
Manufacturer
Available Country
Last Updated: September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am
Hexamethylenamine
Hexamethylenamine

Uses

Hexamethylenamine is a urinary tract antiseptic and antibacterial drug used for the prophylaxis and treatment of frequently recurring urinary tract infections requiring a long-term therapy.

For prophylactic or suppressive treatment of frequently recurring urinary tract infections when long-term therapy is considered necessary. This drug is not used to treat infection and should only be used after appropriate eradication of infection with antimicrobial agents.

Hexamethylenamine is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Urinary Tract Infection

How Hexamethylenamine works

Hexamethylenamine does not have antibacterial properties in an alkaline environment (pH≥6); however, in a more acidic environment (pH<6), methenamine is hydrolyzed to formaldehyde. (1) Formaldehyde is considered to be highly bactericidal. (1) Formaldehyde has nonspecific antibacterial activity and works by denaturing proteins and nucleic acid of bacteria. (1) Certain bacteria such as Proteus sp. can alkalize urine, inhibiting the beneficial activity of formaldehyde. (1) The key role of the salt component of the drug, for example hippuric acid, is to maintain the acidic state of the urine. (1)

Toxicity

Less than 3.5% of patients treated with this drug will experience minor adverse events such as upset stomach, dysuria, nausea, and rash.

Food Interaction

  • Drink plenty of fluids.
  • Take with food.

Hexamethylenamine Disease Interaction

Major: crystalluria, gout, liver disease

Elimination Route

After oral administration, rapid absorption of methenamine occurs. (1)

Half Life

Elimination half-life = 3-4 hours assuming normal renal function. (1)

Clearance

70-90% of a single oral dose of methenamine is excreted unchanged in the urine within 24 hours. (1)

Elimination Route

Hexamethylenamine is primarily eliminated via the kidneys. (1)

Innovators Monograph

You find simplified version here Hexamethylenamine

*** Taking medicines without doctor's advice can cause long-term problems.
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