Monurol (2 g and 3 g): what it is for, how to take it and effects

Monurol is one of the most widely used medications to treat urinary tract infections., which includes the bladder, kidneys, urethra, and ureters. Some of the most common are cystitis, pyelonephritis or urethritis, to name a few.

They are generally caused by bacteria traveling from the urethra to the bladder, and are more common in women than in men (because the urethra is shorter in them). They are also common in the elderly and in people with various diseasessuch as diabetes.

Thanks to its bactericidal properties, Monurol is an effective medicine to treat such infections. We will see below what Monurol is, how it works within the body, how it should be administered, and finally, its contraindications and side effects.

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What is Monurol and what is it for?

Monurol is an antibiotic type medication. As such, it is used to treat infections of the urinary tract or tract (known as “UTIs” for short). this drug It is made up of a chemical with anti-infective properties called “phosphonic acid”

. From the latter one more substance is derived, “formocin trometamol”. Formocin trometamol is precisely the active principle of Monurol.

What fosfomycin does is block the development of bacteria by stopping or preventing the synthesis of one of the essential enzymes for their growth. It specifically blocks the growth of the bacteria that cause the most common UTIs. Thus, Monurol has a bactericidal property, which helps to relieve uncomplicated urinary infections, such as cystitis and urethritis.

This drug is useful for treating uncomplicated bacterial infections, which are those caused by bacteria sensitive to the active ingredient. That is, in the case of serious infections (caused by bacteria highly resistant to formocin trometamol), the Monurol will not be an effective medication, or the doses will have to be adjusted according to the severity of the infection.

For example, this may be the case of infections presented in older adults or also in patients who spend a lot of time in bed. In the same sense, Monurol not effective for treating infections not caused by bacteria but by viruses (like the flu).

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Presentation and recommended doses

Monurol is marketed in sachets containing a water-soluble granule. Its concentration can be 2 or 3 grams and is rapidly absorbed. To promote this, it is recommended not to take monurol with food, or to take it a couple of hours after the last meal. It can also be taken an hour before ingestion and it is recommended to take it after emptying the bladder. Otherwise, the absorption of Monurol inside our body becomes slower.

On the other hand, the recommended dose for adults suffering from mild infections is usually a single dose (only one sachet). The decision to take Monurol 3g or Monurol 2g largely depends on the severity of the infection.

For older adults, or in the case of people with severe infections, the general recommendation is to take two doses (2 sachets) throughout the same day. Again, depending on the severity of the infection, Monurol 3g or Monurol 2g may be administered.

Once administered, Monurol is expected to have the expected effects within two to three days. The latter also depends on the person's medical history (for example, if they have had recurrent infections or inflammations in the period prior to taking Monurol). In fact, it is common for the treatment to take a few more days to take effect when there has been some inflammation previously.

contraindications

Monurol is contraindicated in the case of people with the following conditions:

• Allergy to the active substance (to fosfomycin trometamol).
• severe kidney disease.
• In the case of hemodialysis.
• In children under 6 years.
• During the lactation period, since a small part of the drug is excreted in breast milk. During pregnancy it can be administered, although under strict medical supervision.
• In the case of being command metoclopramide, since this medicine can prevent the absorption of fosfomycin trometamol.

Side effects

As with all medicines, Monurol does cause some side effects. These are mild and moderate effects, including nausea, burning sensation in the chest, and diarrhea. On very few occasions, cases of anaphylaxis have been reported, specifically due to allergy to the active ingredient.

Special medical control is also necessary when it comes to people with diabetes, due to the high content of sucrose that this medicine contains. If you have ingested a dose greater than the recommended one, it is important to drink water, since fosfomycin trometamol is expelled through the urine.

Bibliographic references:

• Lozano, A. (2008). Fosfomycin. Report for the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Commission of the Cabueñes Hospital. Retrieved October 24, 2018. Available in http://gruposdetrabajo.sefh.es/genesis/genesis/Documents/Fosfomicina_HCabuenes_08.pdf.
• Pigrau, C. (2013). Urinary tract infection. Salvat: Madrid.
• Vademecum (2016). Fosfomycin. Retrieved October 24, 2018. Available in https://www.vademecum.es/principios-activos-fosfomicina-j01xx01.