How Safe is Hiprex? Dr. Cat Anderson (Part 3)

Hiprex, methenamine hippurate, is an effective urinary antiseptic predominantly used for UTI prevention. In this video, Dr. Cat Anderson from the UK explains how to safely use it to avoid side-effects.
Dr. Anderson explains which antibiotics should be avoided while using Hiprex. Sulfonamides should not be taken, nor should Co-trimoxazoles: Septum, Bactrim and Monotrim.
Hiprex combines well with nitrofurantoin prophylaxis which, like Hiprex, performs optimally in an acidic environment. If urine pH is too high, it may lead to phosphate crystals. In order to achieve an optimum urine pH level of below 6, people may be advised to take vitamin C. Ideally, this should be an ascorbic acid or non-buffered vitamin C. Patients are encouraged to monitor their own urine pH using test strips.
When taking multiple medications and supplements, it is important to time the dosages. For example, vitamin C can be taken before breakfast and Hiprex after breakfast. Similarly, for the evening dose. Probiotics can be taken at midday, or at least an hour either side of Hiprex to ensure optimal absorption.
Other non-antibiotic therapies, such as estrogen, PACs, or D-mannose are safe to take whilst using Hiprex. However, grapefruit, including grapefruit seed, should be avoided.
Unlike antibiotics, which are known to cause resistance and damage the microbiome, long-term Hiprex usage is not shown to create adverse effects.
Dr. Anderson explains a new research study she aims to conduct examining the impact of Hiprex on good bacteria in the bladder.
Although research has not been conducted regarding calcification in the bladder, Dr. Anderson believes that, in her experience, it is not a concern for Hiprex usage. Equally, though there are sometimes concerns around Hiprex creating formaldehyde in the bladder, there is no evidence to suggest an increased cancer risk.
Dr. Anderson cautions against cautionary cystoscopy, even for long-term antibiotics or Hiprex users. While Hiprex is safe for breastfeeding mothers and children over 12 years, it has not been studied for use during pregnancy and is therefore not safe for use during pregnancy.
About Dr. Cat Anderson, MBCHB, BSC(HONS), MRCGP, DFSRH, Certificate in Menopause Care
Before returning to university to study medicine, Dr. Anderson used her undergraduate degree in medical microbiology and biochemistry to work as a research scientist in the pharma industry. This likely underpinned her interest in some of the more challenging cases of long-standing microbial infections, including UTIs. Motivated by her interest in this area and frustrated by the lack of educational resources, she looked to key opinion leaders around the world, where she studied the etiology of recalcitrant/fastidious bacterial infection and how therapies used in these infections have successfully helped a wide range of patients.
A true portfolio GP with postgraduate qualifications, expertise in women’s health and urogenital infection, Dr. Anderson divides her time between NHS and private practice. She runs a specialist service dealing with recurrent and chronic UTI, vaginal problems and menopause in North Staffordshire, UK and has a branch clinic in London.
With a wealth of experience in these areas of medicine, she is well placed for designing personalized treatment plans. She uses a variety of established treatments and complements them with naturopathic remedies and lifestyle measures to optimize outcomes as quickly as possible. The majority of patients (70%), report symptomatic improvement within 6-8 weeks of starting treatment, more complex cases can benefit from on-going investigations if needed.
Check out the playlist: • Dr. Cat Anderson
How to take Hiprex: • How to take Hiprex: Dr...
How Safe is Hiprex? • How Safe is Hiprex? Dr...
Expanded Urine Culture for Chronic UTI: • Expanded Urine Culture...
Read more about recurrent UTI treatment approaches: liveutifree.com/uti-treatment/
Find out about other approaches to UTI treatment without antibiotics: liveutifree.com/uti-treatment...
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About Live UTI Free
Live UTI Free is a patient advocacy and research organization. We do not endorse specific treatment approaches, clinicians or diagnostics methods. The content of this video does not provide medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. The medical and/or nutritional information is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen. liveutifree.com/
Post-production: Melissa Wairimu / kreativlee_