As a first line of treatment for UTI, antibiotics can help clear up bacteria in your urinary tract and restore it to full health.
When doctors learn that a patient is suffering from a urinary tract infection (UTI), their first go-to treatment option is usually an antibiotic. In most cases, this drug for UTI can effectively and quickly alleviate your troublesome symptoms. They work by targeting the bacteria that commonly cause UTIs.
If the infection is in its early stage or is uncomplicated, antibiotics can prevent it from progressing into kidney damage. However, your doctor may prescribe different antibiotics depending on the severity of your case or the type of bacteria found in your urine.
Simple infections
For women, who are more commonly affected by UTI than men, simple UTIs often refers to cystitis or bladder infection. This affects only the lower urinary tract.
In these cases, doctors may prescribe the following antibiotics:
Fosfomycin (Monurol)
Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra, others)
Nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin, Macrobid)
Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
Levofloxacin (Levaquin)
Cephalexin (Keflex)
Ceftriaxone (Rocephin)
Azithromycin (Zithromax, Zmax)
Doxycycline (Monodox, Vibramycin, others)
It is important that you follow your doctor’s instructions on how often and for how long you should take your antibiotics. Upon starting your regimen, symptoms may clear up in as quickly as 24 hours. However, this does not mean that all infection-causing bacteria in your urinary tract have been killed. Thus, you need to finish the whole course of your treatment, which may last for five days or more. This prevents infection relapse or recurrence.
In some cases, your physician may recommend a shorter treatment period, which may last for one to three days. One of which is Fosomycin, a one time, one dose regimen as it maintains a very high urinary concentration for more than 72 hours after a single dose. It has extremely low global antibiotic resistance and antimicrobial resistance rates assuring its effectiveness and prompt relief of symptoms.
In addition to antibiotics, a pain medication or analgesic may also be prescribed to you, especially if you are experiencing intense burning sensations in your abdominal area. This helps numb your bladder and urethra, thus easing pain while urinating.
Frequent infections
Women may suffer from frequently recurring UTIs. If this is the case, your doctor may suggest different treatment options, which may include:
Low-dose antibiotics. You may be asked to take this for six months or longer depending on your case.
Self-diagnosis and treatment. For this, you need to stay in regular contact with your doctor. Be sure to follow their instructions closely as well.
Single-dose antibiotic for UTI. This is commonly recommended for acute cystitis, infection of the kidney and for those sexually active women whose UTIs may be caused by sexual activities.
Vaginal estrogen therapy. This treatment option is recommended for postmenopausal women.
Severe infections
If your UTI is severe, you may be given intravenous antibiotics. Your doctor may also require you to stay in the hospital, so they can conduct more tests and observations.
Some additional reminders
Do ask your doctor about possible adverse effects you may experience and how to deal with them. Be sure to seek help immediately if you encounter severe side effects.
If you are pregnant, be wary about the drugs you are taking. Inform your doctor about your condition so they can provide you safe recommendations. Only a very limited number of drugs are considered safe for pregnant women based on UTI treatment guidelines . If you are not sure if you are pregnant, it is better to conduct a pregnancy test first. Follow-up care is necessary. Go to all scheduled medical appointments to ensure full treatment and recovery.
