Is it safe to use Uribel to treat Overactive bladder symptoms?

Is it safe to use Uribel to treat Overactive bladder symptoms?

The Uribel drug is prescribed to deal with an overactive bladder. Overactive bladder is a medical condition wherein the bladder storage functions is affected causing a sudden urge to urinate. This urination urge is often hard to control and can lead to the involuntary loss of urine (incontinence). Overactive bladder may lead to a lot of embarrassment, isolation and limitation of work and social life among patients. Uribel drug prescribed in this condition helps in relieving pain, discomfort, frequent urge to urinate that is caused by an infection or due to a medical procedure.

What is Uribel Drug?

Uribel is a combination drug that contains Hyoscyamine, methenamine, methylene blue, and phenyl salicylate. The component Hyoscyamine is known to produce effects on the body that result in providing the body relief from spasms. Methenamine and methylene blue work as antiseptics fighting infection causing bacteria. Phenyl Salicylate is used as a pain reliever. Together these components work in a combination to treat bladder irritations, pain, inflammation, burning; symptoms caused due to an underlying urinary tract infection. This drug is also prescribed to ease bladder discomforts post a medical procedure. The product also contains an ingredient namely sodium phosphate, benzoic acid that works towards maintaining the acid level in the urine. This is important for the medication to work. This medication by itself does not treat urinary tract infections and is normally supplemented with antibiotics that are advised to treat bacterial infections.

What you should know before starting with Uribel medication? 

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Users must keep in mind that Uribel is not an OTC drug but needs to be prescribed by a doctor. This drug is not fit for consumption for those who are allergic to any of the components of the drug, namely: Hyposcyamine, methenamine, methylene blue, and phenyl salicylate.

If a patient is suffering from any diseases of the heart such as congestive heart failure, coronary heart disease, a heart valve or heart rhythm disorder; glaucoma, prostate enlargement and stomach ulcers; the treating doctor should be informed for better advice.

Patients are advised to keep up their fluid intake while taking this medication.

Many other drugs consumed by the patient can interact with this drug. The component Hyposcyamine found in Uribel can make it difficult for the body to absorb other medicines consumed orally. Hence, it is advisable to inform the doctor beforehand about all the medications that are being taken by the patient.

There is no evidence of the effect this drug can have on an unborn baby, hence if the patient is pregnant, the same must be communicated to the treating doctor.

The components of Uribel, i.e. Hyposcyamine, methenamine, methylene blue, and phenyl salicylate can pass through breast milk to the child, and hence the treating doctor must be informed in advance if the patient is breastfeeding. This

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drug is not fit to be administered to children below 7 years of age. Impact of side effects from this drug is more likely to be seen in older adults.

While consuming these medication patients should avoid taking antacids or antidiarrhea medicine within 1 hour before or after. Antacids, anti-diarrhea or medication can make it difficult for the body to absorb Hyposcyamine.

What is the recommended right dosage?

The medicine comes with a special coating that protects the stomach and hence while consuming, the pill should be consumed as a whole without chewing, breaking or destroying the coating. The medicine should be taken orally along with a glass of water.

Patients must refrain stopping the medication on their own without doctor’s expert advice.

Side Effects associated with Uribel: Any side effects arising out consumption of Hyposcyamine, methenamine, methylene blue, and phenyl salicylate needs to be addressed immediately by showing a doctor.

Some side effects associated with uribel that may be experienced by some patients are as listed below: 

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Blurred or hazy vision: Some of the patients may experience discomfort with blurred or hazy vision. Those who wear contact lenses may experience some discomfort. Lubricating drops are prescribed by doctors to help in this issue.

However an ophthalmologist may help if the problem persists.

Dryness of the mouth: As a consumption instruction, patients are advised to drink a lot of fluids as they are put on this medication. A common side effect experienced by a few patients involves dryness of the mouth. Chewing sugarless gum, drinking water or sucking on a hard candy can help to a large extent in dealing with this issue.

Drowsiness: Drowsiness or dizziness may be experienced by a few individuals.

Hence, most doctors’ advice patients to refrain from driving, operating heavy machinery and undertaking such activities that may require extra mental alertness until the symptoms subside.

Other side effects to watch out for are:       

Skin rashes The methelyne blue component of uribel can cause urine or stool to appear blue or green in color. This is however not a cause of concern.

Allergic reactions like swelling of face, lips and tongue; hives or itching Rapid pulse or heart throbbing Breathing problems Nausea Tiredness

Uribel and Dietary instructions Dietary instructions are important to be followed to achieve maximum efficacy of this medication. Patients are to follow a special diet till they are on the medication. The urine needs to be acidic for the medicine to work. Hence, foods that maintain the urine acidic levels are recommended by doctors. Patients are also advised to consume a lot of water and fluids to alleviate symptoms like dryness of the moth that may occur as a common side effect. Alcohol consumption while the medication is on must be restricted.

Missing a dose: If the patient misses a dosage of uribel, then the medication should be consumed at the earliest. If one is due for the next dose, then only dose should be consumed avoiding double dosage.

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