How to Treat a Stubborn UTI With Antibiotics

Some urinary tract infections do not respond to home remedies and need antibiotic treatment. Symptoms of a UTI include a strong, constant urge to urinate, a burning sensation when urinating, urinating frequently but in small amounts and blood in the urine. You could also experience pelvic pressure, fever, chills, nausea and lower abdomen discomfort. Your doctor will determine which kind of antibiotic will be most effective against your infection.

Things You'll Need

• antibiotic prescription from a doctor
• plenty of water

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Instructions

• 1

  Beta-lactam antibiotics include penicillins and cephalosporins. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, this type of antibiotic is most effective in UTIs caused by Gram-positive organisms. Amoxicillin is now considered ineffective against E. coli bacteria in up to 25 percent of cases.

• 2

  Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) is a typical treatment in, usually, a three-day course.

• 3

  According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, antibiotic-resistant strains of E. coli are the most common cause of UTIs. Quinolones (or fluoroquinolone) are now the most commonly prescribed antibiotic for UTIs. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole formerly held that title.

• 4

  Your doctor may decide one of the above classes of antibiotics will not be effective. Other types include tetracyclines, aminoglycosides, nitrofurantoin and fosfomycin.