What is Hiprex? Dr. Cat Anderson (Part 1)

In this video series, Dr. Cat Anderson, a UK-based doctor specializing in women’s health and recurrent urogenital infections, talks to us about Hiprex (methenamine hippurate). Hiprex is a urinary antiseptic predominantly used for UTI prevention.
Dr. Anderson starts by explaining what Hiprex is and when it may be used. Hiprex was licensed in the UK as an over-the-counter pharmaceutical in 1968, but Dr. Anderson shares that it has actually been used safely for over 100 years.
Since Hiprex is not an antibiotic, it is not known to cause problems such as antimicrobial resistance or gastrointestinal side effects. Dr. Anderson discusses how adverse side effects from Hiprex are very uncommon.
Hiprex only activates within an acidic environment, at pH 6 or below. While a small proportion of the medication may be activated within the stomach due to encountering stomach acid, the majority will pass through and activate fully once it reaches the bladder. While many antibiotics work by stopping bacteria from reproducing, Hiprex also works by actually killing the bacteria.
In the UK, Hiprex is primarily used to prevent recurrences of UTI in people who experience at least three UTIs in a year. However, Dr. Anderson shares how this medication may also benefit people who may be highly at risk if they develop a UTI, even if they have fewer than three infections per year. Hiprex can also benefit people who use catheters, but there are extra considerations to take into account when it comes to dosage.
Recent research has demonstrated that Hiprex may be similarly effective at UTI prevention as low-dose antibiotic prophylaxis. Dr. Anderson discusses that using Hiprex and antibiotics together may also be beneficial for many people. More research is needed to explore the use of Hiprex for treatment of an active infection, but Dr. Anderson shares some successful anecdotal experiences of the patients she sees in her clinic.
Finally, Dr. Anderson talks about the pros and cons of continuing or stopping Hiprex or other antimicrobial therapy before UTI testing.
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.co...
Find out about other approaches to UTI treatment without antibiotics: liveutifree.co...
If you are a clinician, you can learn about joining our clinician referral network here: liveutifree.co...
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_