Uribel is a medication used to relieve
certain discomforts like frequent urge to urinate, and spasm in urinary tract
on account of infections or intrusive medical procedures. The generic name of
Uribel is Methenamine or in some cases, Methylene Blue. Methenamine is an
antibiotic while Methylene Blue is an antiseptic. Both prevent the
proliferation of bacteria in the urinary tract.
Usage of Uribel Medication
1) Uribel is to be taken 4 times per day,
orally.
2) It is recommended to partake of a full
glass of water along with Uribel.
3) It is advised to not lie down for at
least 10 minutes after consuming the pill.
Dosage usually depends on factors like age,
medical history, and current medical condition. Being regular is key for the
effects to show. That said, increasing dosage without medical guidance is
advised against as this can prove to be hazardous, and will not make a
difference to the results observed. Excessive caffeine consumption has also
proved to exacerbate side effects. It is recommended to cut down caffeine consumption while on Uribel.
Side Effects Associated with Uribel
Some of the side-effects of Uribel are as
follows:
1) Nausea, dryness of mouth, drowsiness, blurred vision, and constipation is some
of the things commonly observed. It is important to confess to your medical
advisor in case of severity. One is advised to suck on hard candy or consume
lots of water, or use a saliva substitute to combat dryness of mouth
2) Urine can turn blue-green. In some cases
even the coloration of stool can be blue green. It is generally a harmless
side-effect. It usually stops after the medication is discontinued. Patients
are asked not to panic upon observing these changes.
3) Some serious side-effects can include
flushed, red skin, abnormally reduced perspiration, ache-y eyes, discomfort and
difficulty while peeing, or changes in the amount of urine produced. These are
indicative of kidney problems and must not be ignored. Approach a doctor
immediately if such serious side-effects persist. These side-effects are not
always witnessed, as every person is different and reacts different to
different medication.
4) Certain side-effects may point to liver
related problems. These must also not be neglected. Some of these are,
excessive bleeding upon getting a cut, appearance of bruises, tarry stool,
stomach ache, vomit that resembles coffee beans, brownish or dark urine,
feeling nauseated without provocation, inexplicable exhaustion, as well as
yellowing of eyes and skin.
5) Sometimes Uribel can also lead to hypertension or HBP. When untreated, HBP can result
into other crises that can be fatal. Get medical help right away. Symptoms like
headache, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, stiffness of neck, sore joints, clammy
and sweaty skin, problems with vision, photosensitivity etc., are ones to watch
out for. Hypertension is not to be ignored.
6) There have been times when Uribel has
also recorded a marked increase in secretion of the hormone serotonin. This is
a serious condition called serotonin toxicity. Risk can double up if other
medication you might be on is also notorious for raising serotonin levels. In
such a case, alert your doctor about your predicament. Some of the symptoms are
hallucinations, loss of co-ordination, dizziness, nausea
and vomiting, diarrhea, fever, restlessness.
7) Though rare, it is not impossible to
have an allergic reaction to this drug. In this case get help. Any allergic
reaction is best not neglected. Watch out for swelling, itchiness, rashes, dizziness, irritable throat and breathing problems.
Be wary of all of these side-effects and
more. Contact your doctor, pharmacist or medical advisor if Uribel does not
seem to be working for you.
It is important to observe certain
precautions before you start taking this drug indiscriminately. Tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to any of its ingredients; or to aspirin or
NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen); or to belladonna alkaloids (such as atropine,
scopolamine); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain
inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Other problems that must be declared are kidney problems,
possible liver trouble, any recent surgeries, coronary problems, pulmonary
problems, urinary tract related trouble. Illnesses also need to be declared.
High blood pressure, myasthenia gravis, bleeding/clotting problems, certain
enzyme deficiencies, aspirin-sensitive asthma, growths in the nose (nasal
polyps), stroke, severe/frequent
headaches, a certain kind of adrenal gland tumor (pheochromocytoma), dehydration, among others.
It is also important to get off tobacco and alcohol while you
are using Uribel.
This medication is not recommended for use in children
younger than 6 years. Children are more sensitive to the side effects of this
drug, especially unusual excitement, hot/dry/flushed skin, decreased sweating.
Also make sure you avoid overdosing at all costs. Some of the
symptoms of overdosing are fever, fast/pounding heartbeat, severe dizziness,
seizures, slowed/shallow breathing, and unusual excitement.
Upon missing a dose, take one as soon as you remember. If you
very close to the next one, skip the forgotten one and start anew. Make sure
you do not take extra doses with the intention of catching up.
Store Uribel at room temperature away from direct exposure to
bright light or sunlight and moisture. Keep the drug in an air tight container.
Ensure that it is out of the reach of children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a
drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is
expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal
company.
Finally, it is important to remember that Uribel has its
advantages, but like all good things, it is not immune to certain ills. It is
important to consult doctors and ask for professional help at every point.
Strong drugs can often cause more harm than good. It is therefore imperative to
be prudent while on Uribel. Do not accidentally overdose. Do not have a
flippant approach towards this drug. And most importantly, do not make the
mistake of offering this drug to children without proper medical consultation.
If all of these instructions are followed Uribel can indeed
solve many problems!
