Medications That Can Cause Bladder Infections

Bladder infections, also referred to as cystitis, occur when bacteria enters the urethra and bladder, causing an infection. According to the Mayo Clinic, women are more likely to develop bladder infections than men due to hormonal fluctuations and reproductive organ anatomy.

Significance

• Bladder infections can cause pain and burning sensations during urination. Bladder infections may also lead to frequent urination, blood in the urine or voiding a few drops in attempts to urinate.

Causes

• Bacterial infections are the most common causes of cystisis, but in some cases medications can cause a bladder infection. According to the Mayo Clinic, medication-induced cystitis is primarily caused by drugs used in chemotherapy, such as ifosfamide and cyclophosphamide.

Considerations

• In addition to chemotherapy medications, bladder infections may also result from irritants such as bath soaps, feminine hygiene sprays and spermicidal jellies. The long-term use of a catheter can also lead to an infection of the bladder.

Misconceptions

• Bladder infections are not always the result of bacterial infection, irritants or drug-induced causes. According the Mayo Clinic, bladder infections can result from underlying conditions such as tuberculosis, lupus, pelvic inflammatory disorders, gynecologic cancers, endometriosis, diverticulitis and Crohn's disease.

Warning

• See your doctor immediately if you suspect that you have or are developing a bladder infection. Bladder infections that are left untreated can lead to pyelonephritis, a potentially dangerous infection of the kidneys.