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urex

Urex (Methenamine Hippurate) is a medication used to treat Bacteriuria, Cystitis, Escherichia Coli Infections, Staphylococcal Infections.

Methenamine Hippurate · by Quagen

Not yet rated· sourced from the FDA label
Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated June 7, 2026·How we rate
Verified againstopenFDANIH DailyMedRxClass

Key facts

Active ingredient
Methenamine Hippurate
Form
Tablet
Strength
Methenamine Hippurate 1GM
Type
Prescription (Rx)
Brand or generic
Brand-name
Manufacturer
Quagen
FDA application
NDA016151

What is Urex?

From the FDA label:Methenamine Hippurate Tablets are a urinary tract antiseptic drug. Each white, scored tablet contains methenamine hippurate 1g (see HOW SUPPLIED). Methenamine Hippurate Tablets also contain: magnesium stearate, povidone and saccharin sodium. Chemically, methenamine hippurate is the hippuric acid salt of methenamine (hexamethylenetetramine). Structural formula: C 15 H 21 N 5 O 3 Molecular Weight 319.37 Methenamine structural formula

How to use

One tablet (1 g) twice daily for adults and children over 12 years of age. One-half tablet or one tablet (0.5 or 1 g) twice daily for children 6 to 12 years of age. The antibacterial activity of Methenamine Hippurate Tablets is greater in acid urine. Therefore, restriction of alkalinizing foods and medications is desirable. If necessary, as indicated by urinary pH and clinical response, supplemental acidification of the urine may be instituted. The efficacy of therapy should be monitored by repeated urine cultures.

Side effects

Adverse effects of Methenamine Hippurate Tablets have been reported in fewer than 3.5% of patients treated. These reactions have included the following, in decreasing order of frequency: nausea, vomiting and rarely pruritus, rash, dysuria. Children have received Methenamine Hippurate Tablets at the recommended dosages as a prophylactic/suppressive regimen after initial treatment of acute episodes of pyuria. Side effects were encountered in only 1.1% of these children.

Warnings

Important safety information

Patients with pre-existing hepatic insufficiency may suffer adverse effects from the small amounts of ammonia and formaldehyde that are produced. The classical syndrome of acute hepatic failure may be evoked in these patients.

Who should not take Urex

Methenamine Hippurate Tablets are contraindicated in patients with renal insufficiency, severe hepatic insufficiency, or severe dehydration. It should not be used as the sole therapeutic agent in acute parenchymal infections causing systemic symptoms.

Overdose — what happens if you take too much

Immediately after ingestion of an overdose, further absorption of the drug may be minimized by inducing vomiting or by gastric lavage, followed by administration of activated charcoal. Fluids, either oral or parenteral, should be forced to tolerance.

U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.

Interactions

The concomitant administration of methenamine hippurate and sulfamethizole or sulfathiazole is liable to result in the formation of a precipitate in the urine.

May treat (source: NIH RxClass)

Dosage forms

Tablet

The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.

Ways to save

Ask for the generic

Same active ingredient, far cheaper. Is there a generic? →

Request a 90-day supply

Bulk fills usually lower the per-dose price vs monthly refills.

Use copay cards

Manufacturer copay cards & patient-assistance programs — especially for brand drugs.

Compare alternatives

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Frequently asked questions

What does Urex treat?
Urex (Methenamine Hippurate) may be used to treat bacteriuria, cystitis, escherichia coli infections, staphylococcal infections, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
Is there a coupon or discount for Urex?
pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Urex. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
Who makes Urex?
Urex is marketed by Quagen. You can see Quagen's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
Is Urex a brand-name or generic drug?
Urex is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Methenamine Hippurate.
Is Urex available over the counter?
No. Urex is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
What forms does Urex come in?
Urex is currently marketed as tablet, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
Is Urex FDA-registered?
Urex is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA016151. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
Is Urex safe?
There's no single safe-or-not verdict, and we don't yet have a composite recall-safety score for Urex. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings below, and always consult a licensed professional.
What are the side effects of Urex?
Urex's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: Adverse effects of Methenamine Hippurate Tablets have been reported in fewer than 3.5% of patients treated. These reactions have included the following, in decreasing order of frequency: nausea, vomiting and rarely pruritus, rash, dysuria.… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.

Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.

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