Medicines for Urinary Infections

Urinary infections (also called urinary tract infections or bladder infections) are a common condition, affecting most of the population at some point in their lives. The elderly, infants and pregnant woman are the most likely candidates for urinary infections, but nearly anyone can get one under the right circumstances. Fortunately, it is relatively simple to treat urinary infections and there are a variety of medicines available.

Symptoms

• Any big changes in your urine or the way you urinate can be a sign of a urinary infection. One of the first symptoms of a urinary infection is painful urination, or dysuria. You may find yourself urinating more often and experiencing painful cramps or a burning sensation when you urinate. On the other hand, a urinary infection can also manifest itself with the inability to urinate at all. Your urine can change too. It may suddenly seem particularly smelly. It may also come out cloudy or tinged with blood. If you experience these symptoms, you should contact your health-care provider. He can diagnose a urinary infection through a simple urine test.

Trimethoprim

• Trimethoprim is the most commonly prescribed antibiotic for uncomplicated urinary tract infections. It is often marketed as Proloprim or Trimpex. It can only be taken orally. If you are taking seizure medicines, such as methotrexate or pyrimethamine, you should let your health-care provider know before taking trimethoprim. Those with anemia, kidney disease or liver disease are advised not to take this drug. As with many antibiotics, trimethoprim can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills, and can result in unplanned pregnancies.

Amoxicillin

• Amoxicillin is an antibiotic in the penicillin group of drugs that is sometimes prescribed for urinary tract infections, as well as a number of other bacterial infections. It is an oral medication that has been marketed as Omnipen or Principen. Those with liver disease, kidney disease or who are allergic to penicillin should not take amoxicillin because there can be dangerous side effects for them. Also, like other antibiotics, amoxicillin can lower the effectiveness of birth control pills and can result in unplanned pregnancies.

AZO Standard

• Azo Standard is an over-the-counter medicine for urinary tract infections with the active ingredient phenazopyridine. It is important to remember that only antibiotics can cure a urinary tract infection. Over-the-counter medicines can only soothe the symptoms associated with your infection, like burning, pain and frequent urination. The dosage is normally two oral tablets three times a day. If you need AZO Standard for more than two days, you should consult your health-care professional. One of the side effects of taking AZO can be discolored urine, so do not be surprised if your urine comes out orange or blue while you take this medication.

Uristat

• Uristat is another over-the-counter medication for urinary tract infection that contains the active ingredient phenazopyridine. As with all over-the-counter drugs, it only affects the pain and burning associated with urinary tract infections. It contains pyridium, which can turn your urine bright orange while you are taking it. Uristat use is not recommended for longer than two days. If you still have urinary tract infection symptoms after that, you should contact your health-care provider. It can also permanently stain your contact lenses, so do not wear them while you are taking it.