From the Research
Yes, you can generally take methenamine and eat bacon together, as there are no known interactions between methenamine and bacon or other pork products. Methenamine is typically taken orally 2-4 times daily, often in doses of 1 gram, and is used to prevent and treat urinary tract infections by making the urine more acidic, which inhibits bacterial growth 1.
When taking methenamine:
- Take it with plenty of water
- Avoid taking antacids at the same time, as they can reduce its effectiveness
- Be aware it may cause urine to have a strong odor Eating bacon or other foods should not interfere with methenamine's effectiveness. However, maintaining a balanced diet is important for overall health and to support your immune system in fighting infections. If you have any specific dietary restrictions or concerns, consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
It's worth noting that methenamine has been shown to be effective in preventing recurrent urinary tract infections in women, with a study published in 2022 finding that it was not inferior to daily low-dose antibiotics in preventing recurrent UTIs 1. Additionally, methenamine may be a useful alternative to antibiotics in the era of multidrug resistance, as it has a unique antiseptic property that can help prevent UTIs 2.
Overall, methenamine is a safe and effective treatment for preventing and treating urinary tract infections, and can be taken with bacon or other foods without any known interactions. However, it's always best to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice on taking methenamine or any other medication.