UTI Treatment
Treatment of infection anywhere in the body is often treated with antibiotics. This group of medicines is usually the first line of defense for urinary tract infections. Which antibiotics are prescribed, what should be the dose, and for how long you will have to take them – depending on your health condition, the severity of the infection, and the type of pathogen (bacteria) found in your urine routine examination test.
Based on the severity, treatment of UTI is divided into;
Simple infection
Simple UTI is the one that doesn’t spread to the remote organs and cause mild signs and symptoms. Drugs commonly prescribed for simple UTI include:
- Fosfomycin (Monurol)
- Ceftriaxone
- Cephalexin (Keflex)
- Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Septra, Bactrim, others)
- Nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin, Macrobid)
The group of antibiotics known as fluoroquinolones (levofloxacin (Levaquin), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), and others) isn’t commonly prescribed for the treatment of simple UTI. This is because the risks of these antibiotics generally outweigh the potential benefits for easing signs and symptoms of an uncomplicated UTI. In some cases, such as kidney infection (pyelonephritis) and a complicated UTI, your physician might prescribe an antibiotic from fluoroquinolones, especially if no other antibiotic options exist.
Your physician may also prescribe analgesics (pain medications) that numb your urethra and bladder to relieve pain and burning while passing urine. However, in most cases, the pain usually is relieved soon after you start taking an antibiotic.
Frequent infections
In case you have frequent episodes of UTI, your physician may prescribe certain treatment options, such as:
- Self-diagnosis and prompt treatment, if you regularly consult with your doctor
- Low-dose antibiotics (may also include fluoroquinolones), initially for three to six months but sometimes longer
- A single dose of antibiotic (primarily ciprofloxacin) after sexual intercourse – in case your UTI is secondary to sexual activity
- May recommend vaginal estrogen therapy if you are postmenopausal
Severe infection
- Severe UTI may need treatment with IV (intravenous) antibiotics in a clinic or a hospital.