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Original Abstract of the Article

Major Findings

Methenamine is a drug used to prevent and treat urinary tract infections (UTIs). Multiple studies have shown that methenamine is effective in preventing UTIs. 7 shows that methenamine is effective in preventing recurrent UTIs in children, and 9 shows that it is effective in preventing UTIs in women. 3 shows that it is effective in preventing UTIs in patients with indwelling catheters. Furthermore, shows it to be effective in preventing and treating UTIs in children. Methenamine may also be effective in preventing UTIs in kidney transplant recipients. 10 indicates that methenamine may be effective in preventing recurrent UTIs in kidney transplant recipients.

Methenamine is also used to treat hyperhidrosis. 12 shows that methenamine is effective in treating palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis. 1 demonstrates that it is more effective and has fewer side effects compared to other therapies. 11 shows that it is effective in controlling sweating in people who use prostheses.

Reasons for Side Effects

Methenamine works by creating an alkaline environment in the urinary tract, which inhibits bacterial growth. However, methenamine breaks down in the body to produce formaldehyde, which can be irritating and cause side effects.

Common Side Effects

Gastrointestinal

Methenamine can cause gastrointestinal side effects. The main side effects include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea. 9 reports that gastrointestinal side effects occurred in about 14% of patients who took methenamine. 7 reported that many children taking methenamine complained about the taste. This is thought to be due to the bitterness of methenamine. Methenamine has been reported to cause side effects such as loss of appetite and weight loss. 2 reports that the weight of sheep that received methenamine was significantly lower compared to the control group. This is thought to be due to methenamine affecting digestive function and hindering digestion and absorption.

Urinary System

Methenamine can cause urinary side effects. The main side effects include cystitis, urethritis, and urinary stones. 9 reports that urinary tract infections occurred in about 10% of patients who took methenamine. reports that urinary tract infections occurred in about 10% of children who took methenamine. Taking methenamine can put a burden on the kidneys and lead to decreased kidney function. 2 reports that serum creatinine levels in sheep that received methenamine were significantly higher compared to the control group. This is thought to be due to methenamine affecting kidney function and hindering kidney function.

Other

Methenamine can cause side effects such as rash, itching, headache, dizziness, difficulty breathing, and allergic reactions. 2 reports that abnormalities were found in the brains of sheep that received methenamine. This is thought to be due to methenamine affecting the nervous system and causing nerve damage. 12 reports that no sensitization to formaldehyde was found when methenamine was used to treat hyperhidrosis. This is thought to be because the amount of formaldehyde produced by the breakdown of methenamine is not enough to cause sensitization. However, formaldehyde is an irritant to the skin and mucous membranes, so caution is needed.

Side Effects Management

Gastrointestinal

If gastrointestinal side effects occur, measures such as dietary therapy and drug therapy can be considered. Dietary therapy involves consuming easy-to-digest foods and eating in small portions. Drug therapy involves the use of drugs such as antiemetics and gastric acid secretion inhibitors. When taking methenamine, it is important to take it with water. Taking it with water can help reduce irritation to the gastrointestinal tract.

Urinary System

If urinary side effects occur, antibiotic therapy is used. If urinary stones occur, treatment such as surgery or extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy may be necessary. To prevent urinary stones, it is important to stay hydrated. Adequate hydration can help prevent urinary stones from forming. When taking methenamine, it is important to stay hydrated. Adequate hydration can help reduce irritation to the urinary tract.

Other

If you experience side effects such as rash, itching, headache, dizziness, consult a doctor and stop taking methenamine. If an allergic reaction occurs, seek immediate medical attention.

Comparison of Studies

Commonalities

Many studies have shown that methenamine is effective in preventing UTIs. Also, methenamine has been shown to have relatively few side effects.

Differences

There are differences in the effects and side effects of methenamine depending on the study. For example, 9 shows that methenamine is effective in preventing UTIs, while 8 shows that it is less effective compared to other drugs. 7 reports that many children who took methenamine complained about the taste, while 3 reports that many patients who took methenamine did not report side effects. These differences may be due to differences in study design and subjects.

Notes on Application to Real Life

Methenamine is an effective drug for preventing UTIs, but it can also cause side effects. Be sure to consult a doctor and follow their instructions when taking methenamine. Also, consult a doctor immediately if you experience any side effects while taking it. Do not take methenamine without consulting a doctor. Taking it without consulting a doctor can increase the risk of side effects.

Limitations of Current Research

Research on methenamine is still not sufficient. In particular, there is much that is unknown about the long-term effects of methenamine. Also, the mechanism by which methenamine works has not yet been fully elucidated.

Future Research Directions

Further research is needed to elucidate the long-term effects and mechanism of action of methenamine. Also, large-scale clinical trials are needed to verify the safety and efficacy of methenamine.

Conclusion

Methenamine is an effective drug for preventing UTIs, but it can also cause side effects. Be sure to consult a doctor and follow their instructions when taking methenamine. Further research on methenamine is needed, and large-scale clinical trials are needed to verify the safety and efficacy of methenamine.


Literature analysis of 15 papers
Positive Content
14
Neutral Content
1
Negative Content
0
Article Type
5
0
0
1
15

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