How to Treat Acute Pyelonephritis (Kidney Infection)

Acute pyelonephritis is an infection of the upper urinary tracts. This article will explain the treatment of this disease. Depending upon the severity of the illness some patients may require hospitalization while others may be treated as outpatient with oral medications. Read on for some options for treatment.

Things You'll Need

• Physician
• Hospital
• Antibiotic
• Hydration

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Instructions

• 1

  Start the treatment by giving antibiotics empirically (without waiting for lab reports). Intravenous antibiotics, especially Aminoglycosides (Gentamycin) and fluoroquinolones (Levofloxacin), are often chosen for hospitalized patients. Oral fluoroquinolone, such as ciprofloxacin (500 mg twice daily) or levofloxacin (250 to 500 mg once daily) are good first choices for outpatients. Ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin should not be used by women who are pregnant or nursing. Other medications that can used include: ceftriaxone (1 gram IV daily) only if enterococcus bacteria is not suspected as a cause. For enterococcus ampicillin (1 to 2 g IV every six hours) plus gentamicin (1.0 mg/kg IV every eight hours is appropriate.

• 2

  Send labs especially urinalysis, blood counts, kidney function tests and blood cultures. Make changes in the antibiotics later based on the results of the urine culture sensitivity.

• 3

  Maintain adequate hydration. If the patient is vomiting, intravenous fluids may be necessary.

• 4

  Use acetaminophen (Tylenol) for fever or pain.

• 5

  Patients with complicated pyelonephritis should be managed aggressively.