Biomaterial Database

Topical methenamine therapy for hyperhidrosis. 1975

S I Cullen

Methenamine, in a gel stick formulation, effectively decreased palmar and plantar sweating in 24 of 26 individuals studied. All patients had essential hyperhidrosis and were evaluated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Even though methenamine is believed to act by the slow release of formaldehyde, one patient, who had a formaldehyde sensitivity that was proved by a patch test, was able to use the methenamine gel stick without difficulty. Approximately one third of the patients experienced some continuing relief for one to three weeks after discontinuing the trial medication. I conclude that methenamine is a safe, effective addition to the available types of topical therapy for essential hyperhidrosis.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008297	Male		Males
D008709	Methenamine	An anti-infective agent most commonly used in the treatment of urinary tract infections. Its anti-infective action derives from the slow release of formaldehyde by hydrolysis at acidic pH. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p173)	Hexamethylenetetramine,Hexamine,Aminoform,Hexamine Silver,Methenamine Silver,Silver Methenamine,Urotropin,Methenamine, Silver,Silver, Hexamine,Silver, Methenamine
D005260	Female		Females
D005528	Foot	The distal extremity of the leg in vertebrates, consisting of the tarsus (ANKLE); METATARSUS; phalanges; and the soft tissues surrounding these bones.	Feet
D006225	Hand	The distal part of the arm beyond the wrist in humans and primates, that includes the palm, fingers, and thumb.	Hands
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D006945	Hyperhidrosis	Excessive sweating. In the localized type, the most frequent sites are the palms, soles, axillae, inguinal folds, and the perineal area. Its chief cause is thought to be emotional. Generalized hyperhidrosis may be induced by a hot, humid environment, by fever, or by vigorous exercise.	Hyperidrosis
D000287	Administration, Topical	The application of drug preparations to the surfaces of the body, especially the skin (ADMINISTRATION, CUTANEOUS) or mucous membranes. This method of treatment is used to avoid systemic side effects when high doses are required at a localized area or as an alternative systemic administration route, to avoid hepatic processing for example.	Drug Administration, Topical,Administration, Topical Drug,Topical Administration,Topical Drug Administration,Administrations, Topical,Administrations, Topical Drug,Drug Administrations, Topical,Topical Administrations,Topical Drug Administrations