What Drugs to Use for Urinary Tract Infections

A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is an infection of the kidneys, bladder, ureters or urethra. In most cases, it is caused by a bacterial infection, although UTIs occasionally are viral or fungal infections. It's a common condition, accounting for more than 8.3 million doctor visits a year, according to the National Institutes of Health. UTIs are much more common in women than men, although it is not understood why. Common symptoms include the frequent need to urinate, blood in the urine and abdominal or back pain.

Antibiotics

• Because urinary tract infections are the result of a bacterial infection, antibiotics are the standard treatment. Frequently prescribed antibiotics for UTIs include levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, amoxicillin, nitrofurantoin and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim. Doctors will generally prescibe a seven- or 10-day course of the drugs to clear up the infection, but patients often begin feeling better in just a few days. However, it's important to take all the prescribed medication to prevent the infection from redeveloping. In patients who have very severe infections, it may be necessary to be hospitalized for a few days to receive intravenous antibiotics.

  In women who develop recurrent urinary tract infections, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics to be taken at the first sign of an infection to prevent it from worsening. This single-dose treatment is not safe for everyone, but speak with your doctor about it if you frequently develop UTIs. Additionally, some women with recurrent UTIs may be prescribed single doses of antibiotics to be taken after having sex if intercourse is linked to the development of a UTI. These women may also be able to prevent the infection from developing by going to the bathroom before and after having sex and drinking a glass of water after intercourse to help flush bacteria from the urinary tract.

Pain Relievers

• A urinary tract infection can be quite painful, with abdominal and back pain and pressure often reported. In most cases, common over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can help ease the pain. It's important to remember, however, never to give aspirin to children with a fever because of the risk of developing a life-threatening condition called Reye's syndrome. If you are in severe pain as a result of the infection and find over-the-counter drugs aren't providing relief, speak with your doctor about prescription-strength pain relievers. Another option is a heating pad. It can be used with pain-relieving medications to help make you more comfortable. Heating pads can be especially helpful when you are sleeping or resting.