Dealing with recurrent UTIs? A single-dose antibiotic for UTI may be all that you need. Read this to know more about this treatment option.
Sometimes, a urinary tract infection (UTI) goes away on its own, particularly if it is an uncomplicated case. You may chase it away with water or cranberry juice and wait for it to get better within a few days.
However, if you’re pregnant and when UTI symptoms start interfering with your daily life, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics for your UTI. Depending on the the patient’s condition, the treatment may last from three days to a week, wherein the patient may be asked to take up to four tablets daily. At times, however, you may be given a single-dose antibiotic for UTI.
When it’s prescribed
This antibiotic is commonly prescribed to women with acute and uncomplicated cystitis (i.e., inflammation of the bladder), especially when their case is recurrent. It is also often recommended to women whose UTI may be triggered by sexual activities.
How it works
A single-dose antibiotic for UTI, such as fosfomycin, works by stopping the growth of infection-causing bacteria. They do so by preventing further activity in the bacteria’s cell walls to deter further growth and multiplication.
In addition, fosfomycin and other similar drugs also reduce the bacteria’s ability to stick to the urinary walls. This makes them easier to flush out, as long as the patient drinks plenty of fluids.
In a nutshell, therefore, single-dose medicines for UTIs can be used as an effective first line of defense against uncomplicated infections and cystitis.
How it’s taken
It is best to take your single-dose antibiotic exactly as instructed by your doctor, but it is usually the most convenient treatment option for UTI as you only need to take it once.
When taking fosfomycin, which comes in powder form, you need to mix it with half a cup of water and drink it right away. You may take it with or without food as directed by your physician. If you forget your dose, be sure to take it as soon as you remember it.
After two to three days, you will notice an improvement in your UTI symptoms. Make sure to follow up with your physician for another consultation to monitor the course of your treatment.
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This brief article serves as a guide for patients who want to know more about their treatment options for UTI. However, when treating your UTI or any type of infection or illness, never resort to self-diagnosis and self-medication. It is still better to get yourself checked at a clinic or speak to your doctor to find out whether this drug is appropriate for your condition. This is the best way to get the right advice on how to deal effectively with your UTI.
