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What Kind of Over-the-Counter Medicine to Take for a Bladder Infection?

Bladder infections, or urinary tract infections (UTI), can occur for many reasons. Sexual intercourse is the most common cause of bladder infections among women. UTI can also happen when a person holds back urination for a long time, and when a person who is susceptible to an infection gets exposed to potential infectious agents, such as public toilets. Although not serious in themselves, UTIs can become problematic when they are neglected in the early stages.

  1. Over-the-Counter Medicines

    • Since UTI is an infection, the first line of treatment is usually antibiotics. However, antibiotics require a doctor's prescription. Some non-antibiotic over-the-counter treatments are available for UTIs, but these drugs generally treat only the symptoms of UTIs and not the underlying cause. Phenazopyridine hydrochloride is one of the these over-the-counter drugs, and according to the Vaden Health Center at Stanford University, it is effective at treating the symptoms of a UTI. Phenazopyridine hydrochloride goes by the chemical name of HCL. Well-known market brand names are Pyridium, Prodium, Uristat and Azo-Standard. These drugs can help treat symptoms such as urgency and frequency of urination and burning. They also work as a painkiller.

      Other available drugs include Hydrangea capsules, Cystex and Cranactin, which are based on cranberry extracts. These cranberry extracts may be effective at helping to rid the body of UTIs, as well as treating symptoms. According to Life Extension, drinking eight glasses of cranberry juice daily when you have a UTI can cure simple a simple infection by preventing bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract's lining. Since drinking this much cranberry juice can be difficult, these cranberry extract pills aim to serve the same purpose.

    Prevention

    • While over-the-counter drugs can be effective against UTIs and symptoms, it is also important to attend to the causes of the infections. This speeds the rate of recovery and allows the over-the-counter drugs to work better. Keep the bladder clean by flushing the kidneys by natural methods. Drink at least 10 glasses of water a day. In addition, drink bearberry juice and cranberry juice, which are known to help filter infection from the kidneys.

    Early Detection

    • Over-the-counter drugs work best when the intensity of infection is low. When the infection gets worse or spreads to other body parts (untreated UTI can easily spread to the kidneys), these drugs may not be helpful. These drugs work best when a patient is well-informed about the symptoms of a bladder infection and what drug to take for what condition.

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