Uribel 81.6mg Tablets

Manufacturer MISSION Active Ingredient Methenamine, Phenyl Salicylate, Methylene Blue, Benzoic Acid, Hyoscyamine(meth EN a meen, fen nil sa LIS i late, METH i leen bloo, ben ZOE ik AS id & hye oh SYE a meen) Pronunciation YOO-rih-bel (for Uribel); meth-EN-a-meen, FEN-nil sa-LIS-ih-late, METH-ih-leen bloo, ben-ZOE-ik AS-id, hye-oh-SYE-a-meen
It is used to ease pain from a bladder infection.It is used to treat muscle spasms of the urinary system.It is used to treat signs of urinary problems.
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Drug Class
Urinary Antiseptic; Antispasmodic
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Pharmacologic Class
Urinary Acidifier; Anticholinergic; Antiseptic; Analgesic
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Pregnancy Category
Category C
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FDA Approved
Jan 1970
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DEA Schedule
Not Controlled

Overview

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What is this medicine?

Uribel is a medication used to relieve discomfort, pain, urgency, and spasms associated with urinary tract infections or other bladder conditions. It contains several ingredients that work together: some act as antiseptics to help prevent bacterial growth in the urine, one helps acidify the urine to make the antiseptic more effective, and another helps relax the bladder muscles to reduce spasms and urgency.
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How to Use This Medicine

Taking Your Medication

To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. Take your medication as directed, with or without food.

Important considerations:

Do not take antacids within 1 hour before or 1 hour after taking this medication.
If you are also taking ketoconazole, take it at least 2 hours before taking this medication.
Drink plenty of non-caffeinated liquids, unless your doctor advises you to limit your fluid intake.

Storing and Disposing of Your Medication

To maintain the quality and safety of your medication:

Store it at room temperature, protected from light.
Keep it in a dry place, away from the bathroom.
Ensure the lid is tightly closed.
* Keep all medications in a secure location, out of the reach of children and pets.

Missing a Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses.
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Lifestyle & Tips

  • Drink plenty of fluids (unless otherwise instructed by your doctor) to help flush the urinary tract.
  • Maintain good hygiene to prevent recurrent urinary tract infections.
  • Be aware that your urine and possibly stool may turn blue or green due to the methylene blue component. This is a normal and harmless effect.
  • Avoid excessive intake of foods or medications that can make your urine less acidic (e.g., citrus fruits, milk products, antacids) as this can reduce the effectiveness of the medication.
  • Avoid alcohol, as it may increase drowsiness or dizziness.
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Available Forms & Alternatives

Dosing & Administration

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Adult Dosing

Standard Dose: 1 tablet orally 4 times daily
Dose Range: 1 - 1 mg

Condition-Specific Dosing:

urinarytractinfection: 1 tablet orally 4 times daily
bladderspasms: 1 tablet orally 4 times daily
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Pediatric Dosing

Neonatal: Not established
Infant: Not established
Child: Not established
Adolescent: Not established
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Dose Adjustments

Renal Impairment:

Mild: No specific adjustment recommended, but use with caution.
Moderate: Use with caution; monitor for accumulation of components (e.g., methenamine, methylene blue).
Severe: Contraindicated (due to methenamine and methylene blue excretion, and risk of acidosis/methemoglobinemia).
Dialysis: Contraindicated.

Hepatic Impairment:

Mild: Use with caution.
Moderate: Use with caution; monitor for adverse effects, especially anticholinergic effects.
Severe: Contraindicated (due to potential for accumulation and increased risk of adverse effects).

Pharmacology

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Mechanism of Action

Uribel is a combination product with multiple mechanisms of action:
- **Methenamine:** Hydrolyzes in acidic urine (pH < 5.5) to formaldehyde, which is a non-specific bactericidal agent.
- **Phenyl Salicylate:** Hydrolyzes in the gastrointestinal tract to salicylic acid (mild analgesic and anti-inflammatory) and phenol (mild antiseptic).
- **Methylene Blue:** Has mild antiseptic properties and acts as an analgesic for bladder irritation. It also acts as a dye.
- **Benzoic Acid:** Acts as a urinary acidifier, enhancing the conversion of methenamine to formaldehyde, and has mild antifungal/antiseptic properties.
- **Hyoscyamine:** An anticholinergic (antimuscarinic) agent that inhibits the action of acetylcholine at postganglionic parasympathetic receptor sites, leading to relaxation of smooth muscles in the urinary tract, reducing bladder spasms, urgency, and frequency.
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Pharmacokinetics

Absorption:

Bioavailability: Not available for combination product; individual components vary.
Tmax: Not available for combination product; individual components vary.
FoodEffect: Food may delay absorption of hyoscyamine but does not significantly affect overall absorption. Methenamine absorption is not significantly affected by food.

Distribution:

Vd: Not available for combination product; individual components vary.
ProteinBinding: Hyoscyamine: ~50%; Phenyl Salicylate (as salicylic acid): highly protein bound; Methenamine: Not significantly protein bound.
CnssPenetration: Hyoscyamine: Yes (can cross BBB, leading to CNS effects); Methylene Blue: Limited; Methenamine: Limited.

Elimination:

HalfLife: Hyoscyamine: 3.5-13 hours; Methenamine: 3-6 hours; Methylene Blue: 5-24 hours; Salicylic acid: 2-4.5 hours (dose-dependent).
Clearance: Not available for combination product.
ExcretionRoute: Primarily renal (urine) for all components and their metabolites. Methylene blue colors urine blue/green.
Unchanged: Methenamine: 10-30% (dependent on urine pH); Hyoscyamine: 13-30%; Methylene Blue: 75% (as unchanged drug or leukomethylene blue).
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Pharmacodynamics

OnsetOfAction: Hyoscyamine: 20-30 minutes (oral); Methenamine: Requires acidic urine, onset of antiseptic action within hours.
PeakEffect: Not available for combination product.
DurationOfAction: Hyoscyamine: 4-6 hours; Methenamine: As long as urine remains acidic.

Safety & Warnings

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Side Effects

Serious Side Effects: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

While rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects when taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical help right away:

Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Shortness of breath
Difficulty urinating
Rapid heartbeat
Blurred vision
Dizziness or fainting

Other Possible Side Effects

Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. However, many people do not experience any side effects or only have mild ones. If you are bothered by any of the following side effects or if they do not go away, contact your doctor or seek medical help:

Upset stomach or vomiting
Dry mouth
Change in urine or stool color to blue or green (this is a normal and harmless effect)
Flushing
* Drowsiness

Reporting Side Effects

This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor for medical advice. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
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Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:

  • Severe dry mouth, blurred vision, or difficulty urinating (signs of too much anticholinergic effect).
  • Severe constipation.
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat.
  • Confusion or hallucinations (especially in older adults).
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising (rare, but possible with salicylate component).
  • Yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, or unusual fatigue (signs of liver problems or hemolytic anemia, especially if G6PD deficient).
  • Blue discoloration of lips, fingernails, or skin that is NOT urine (could indicate methemoglobinemia, a serious condition).
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Before Using This Medicine

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is crucial to inform your doctor about the following:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances. Describe the allergic reactions you have experienced.
Certain health conditions, such as:
+ Bowel blockage
+ Glaucoma
+ Myasthenia gravis
+ Slow movement of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract
+ Difficulty urinating
A history of heart failure (weak heart) or other heart problems
Current or recent use of medications for mental or mood disorders, such as depression. Some medications cannot be taken with this drug, so it is essential to discuss this with your doctor if you are unsure.

Special Considerations:

This medication is not suitable for children under 6 years of age. Do not administer it to a child younger than 6 years old.
This list is not exhaustive, and it is essential to inform your doctor and pharmacist about all your medications (prescription, over-the-counter, natural products, and vitamins) and health conditions to ensure safe use.
* Always consult your doctor before starting, stopping, or changing the dose of any medication to avoid potential interactions.
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Precautions & Cautions

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. You may be required to monitor the acid content (pH) of your urine using a dipstick test as part of your treatment.

If you are 65 years or older, it is crucial to use this medication with caution, as you may be more susceptible to experiencing side effects. Similarly, when using this medication in children, it is vital to exercise caution, as they may also be at a higher risk of side effects. Be sure to consult with your doctor to discuss the potential risks and benefits.

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, it is essential to notify your doctor. You and your doctor will need to carefully weigh the benefits and risks of using this medication to ensure the best possible outcome for both you and your baby.
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Overdose Information

Overdose Symptoms:

  • Severe anticholinergic effects (e.g., extreme dry mouth, dilated pupils, blurred vision, hot/dry skin, fever, rapid heart rate, urinary retention, severe constipation, delirium, hallucinations, seizures, coma).
  • Salicylate toxicity (e.g., ringing in ears, nausea, vomiting, rapid breathing, confusion, metabolic acidosis).
  • Methemoglobinemia (e.g., cyanosis, shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, headache, rapid heart rate, seizures, coma).
  • Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain.

What to Do:

Seek immediate medical attention. Call 911 or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic, potentially including activated charcoal, physostigmine for severe anticholinergic effects, or methylene blue (paradoxically) for severe methemoglobinemia (if not caused by methylene blue itself).

Drug Interactions

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Contraindicated Interactions

  • Sulfonamides (with methenamine: antagonism, crystalluria)
  • Urinary alkalinizers (e.g., sodium bicarbonate, acetazolamide, some antacids) (with methenamine: reduce efficacy)
  • Serotonergic drugs (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, TCAs, triptans, fentanyl, tramadol) (with methylene blue: risk of serotonin syndrome)
  • Drugs that prolong QT interval (with hyoscyamine: theoretical risk)
  • Potassium chloride (wax matrix formulations) (with anticholinergics: increased risk of GI lesions)
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Major Interactions

  • Other anticholinergic drugs (e.g., tricyclic antidepressants, antihistamines, phenothiazines, quinidine, disopyramide, amantadine) (additive anticholinergic effects with hyoscyamine)
  • Antacids (calcium carbonate, aluminum/magnesium hydroxide) (may decrease absorption of hyoscyamine if given concurrently; may alkalinize urine, reducing methenamine efficacy)
  • Opioid analgesics (additive CNS depression and constipation with hyoscyamine)
  • Digoxin (oral) (hyoscyamine may increase digoxin levels by delaying gastric emptying)
  • Drugs metabolized by CYP2D6 (with hyoscyamine: potential for altered metabolism, though hyoscyamine is a weak inhibitor)
  • Salicylates (other) (additive effects/toxicity with phenyl salicylate)
  • Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin) (phenyl salicylate may increase bleeding risk)
  • NSAIDs (phenyl salicylate may increase GI side effects and bleeding risk)
  • G6PD deficient patients (with methylene blue: risk of hemolytic anemia)
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Moderate Interactions

  • Corticosteroids (with hyoscyamine: increased intraocular pressure)
  • Ketoconazole, Itraconazole (hyoscyamine may decrease absorption due to increased gastric pH)
  • Metoclopramide (antagonistic effects with hyoscyamine)
  • Urinary acidifiers (e.g., ammonium chloride, ascorbic acid) (enhance methenamine efficacy, but may increase risk of crystalluria with sulfonamides if co-administered)
  • Alcohol (additive CNS depression with hyoscyamine)
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Minor Interactions

  • None specifically identified for this combination that are not covered by other categories.

Monitoring

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Baseline Monitoring

Renal function (BUN, creatinine)

Rationale: To assess baseline kidney function, as components are renally excreted and contraindicated in severe impairment.

Timing: Prior to initiation.

Hepatic function (ALT, AST, bilirubin)

Rationale: To assess baseline liver function, as components are metabolized in the liver and contraindicated in severe impairment.

Timing: Prior to initiation.

G6PD status (Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase)

Rationale: Methylene blue can cause hemolytic anemia in G6PD deficient patients.

Timing: Consider prior to initiation, especially in at-risk populations.

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Routine Monitoring

Urine pH

Frequency: Periodically, especially if efficacy is questioned.

Target: < 5.5

Action Threshold: If pH > 5.5, methenamine efficacy is reduced; consider dietary changes or co-administration of urinary acidifiers (e.g., ascorbic acid) if appropriate.

Signs/symptoms of anticholinergic toxicity

Frequency: Daily, especially in elderly or those on other anticholinergics.

Target: Absence of symptoms

Action Threshold: Dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, constipation, confusion, tachycardia; consider dose reduction or discontinuation.

Signs/symptoms of methemoglobinemia

Frequency: Periodically, especially with prolonged use or higher doses.

Target: Absence of symptoms

Action Threshold: Cyanosis, dyspnea, fatigue, dizziness; discontinue drug and seek immediate medical attention.

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Symptom Monitoring

  • Dry mouth
  • Blurred vision
  • Urinary retention
  • Constipation
  • Dizziness
  • Tachycardia
  • Confusion (especially in elderly)
  • Nausea/vomiting
  • Skin rash
  • Blue/green discoloration of urine (expected)
  • Blue discoloration of stool (expected)
  • Signs of hemolytic anemia (fatigue, pallor, dark urine, jaundice) - rare but serious

Special Patient Groups

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Pregnancy

Category C. Use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Hyoscyamine and Methenamine are Category C. Methylene blue is also Category C and should be avoided near term due to theoretical risk of hemolytic anemia in the neonate.

Trimester-Specific Risks:

First Trimester: Limited data. Avoid unless clearly necessary.
Second Trimester: Limited data. Use with caution.
Third Trimester: Avoid, especially near term, due to potential for hemolytic anemia in the neonate (methylene blue) and theoretical risk of premature labor (hyoscyamine).
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Lactation

L3 (Moderate risk). Components are excreted into breast milk. Methylene blue can cause hemolytic anemia in G6PD deficient infants and may color breast milk. Hyoscyamine can reduce milk production and cause anticholinergic effects in the infant. Use with caution; monitor infant for adverse effects (e.g., drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, feeding difficulties, cyanosis). Consider alternative if possible.

Infant Risk: Risk of hemolytic anemia (G6PD deficient infants), anticholinergic effects (drowsiness, constipation), reduced milk supply.
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Pediatric Use

Safety and efficacy not established in pediatric patients. Generally not recommended for use in children.

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Geriatric Use

Use with caution. Elderly patients are more susceptible to anticholinergic side effects (e.g., dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, confusion, cognitive impairment, falls). Start with the lowest effective dose and monitor closely. Renal and hepatic function should be assessed.

Clinical Information

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Clinical Pearls

  • Uribel is a combination product designed to address both the antiseptic and antispasmodic aspects of urinary discomfort.
  • The effectiveness of methenamine relies on acidic urine (pH < 5.5). Patients should be advised against consuming large amounts of urinary alkalinizers (e.g., citrus fruits, milk, antacids) while on this medication.
  • Patients should be counseled that their urine (and sometimes stool) will turn blue or green due to methylene blue, which is a normal and harmless effect.
  • Due to the hyoscyamine component, patients should be warned about potential anticholinergic side effects such as dry mouth, blurred vision, and constipation. These effects may be more pronounced in the elderly.
  • Contraindicated in patients with severe renal or hepatic impairment, glaucoma, myasthenia gravis, or obstructive uropathy due to the anticholinergic and excretion properties of its components.
  • Methylene blue carries a risk of serotonin syndrome when combined with serotonergic drugs and hemolytic anemia in G6PD deficient individuals. Screen for G6PD deficiency if clinically indicated.
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Alternative Therapies

  • Single-agent urinary antiseptics (e.g., methenamine hippurate, nitrofurantoin)
  • Anticholinergics/Antispasmodics (e.g., oxybutynin, tolterodine, solifenacin for overactive bladder)
  • Urinary analgesics (e.g., phenazopyridine)
  • Antibiotics (for underlying urinary tract infections)
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Cost & Coverage

Average Cost: $100 - $300 per 30 tablets
Generic Available: Yes
Insurance Coverage: Tier 2 or 3 (may require prior authorization for brand, generic often covered)
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General Drug Facts

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it's essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so be sure to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the medication, including the amount taken and the time it happened, to ensure you receive the best possible care.