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Medicines for Urinary Tract Infections

In the past 12 months, 12.8 million women and two million men developed a urinary tract infection, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. To treat these infections, physicians usually prescribe medicine to cure the infection and treat the symptoms. Some people turn to alternative methods to rid their body of the infection.

  1. Antibiotics

    • Doctors administer antibiotics to destroy the bacteria that cause urinary tract infections. That culprit is usually Escherichia coli (Ecoli) or Staphylococcus saprophyticus. The most common antibiotic prescribed is trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX). Other types of antibiotics prescribed are beta-lactam, like penicillin and cephalosporins; tetracyclines; and fluoroquinolones like Cipro.

      Typically, your medication therapy will last three days for urinary tract infections, according to the American Urological Association Foundation. While symptoms usually clear before the prescription ends, it's important to take the medication for the recommended time to prevent the infection from reappearing. If your symptoms don't disappear in a few days, tell your physician. You may have a different strain of bacteria.

    Pain Relievers

    • To relieve symptoms during antibiotic treatment, take the pain reliever phenazopyridine. You'll find this active ingredient in Azo Standard and Uristat. This reduces the urge to urinate as well as relieves the burn. You shouldn't take this medicine longer than two days unless advised to by your physician.

    Antispasmodics

    • If you suffer from bladder spasms, your physicians may prescribe antispasmodic medications to control them. These medications include Urised and Urispas. Unfortunately, the side effects of these medications may include a dry mouth, dizziness and discolored urine.

    Alternative Medicine

    • Some people use vitamin C and cranberries as a treatment for urinary tract infections. Cranberries may work by preventing bacteria from attaching to the urinary tract. Vitamin C works by lowering the pH of urine, acidifying it and making it an unfavorable environment for bacteria to flourish. To relieve pain, apply a heating pad to the area.

    Prevention

    • Lifestyle changes can prevent many urinary tract infections. Wipe from front to back after using the bathroom to prevent bacteria from entering your urinary tract. Shower rather than take a bath if you're prone to urinary tract infections. Drink plenty of water. Also avoid beverages with caffeine, as caffeine may irritate your bladder. Another important lifestyle remedy is to urinate when you have the urge. Holding it in increases the risk of infection.

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