Over the Counter Remedies for Cystitis

Cystitis is the medical term for a bladder infection. Cystitis can cause bladder pain, often paired with a fever. The most important thing you can do when you have an infection is to drink lots of water. But there also are are some non-prescription medications and treatments that may help with the symptoms.

Pain Relief

• For pain relief, acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) may help relieve the pain and reduce your fever. Take up to 400mg every four to six hours, not to exceed more than 1200mg a day. For Tylenol, adults may take up to 650 mg every four hours.

Anti-Spasm Medications

• Pyridium is typically used for bladder infections and relieves burning, urgency, pain and discomfort. It decreases the spasming of the bladder. Pyridium is not a medication that kills the bacteria causing cystitis, but is used only as symptomatic relief. Talk to your doctor before taking the medication.

All Natural Treatments

• Bell's bladder and yeast infection capsules claim to help kill the bacteria associated with bladder infections. The product contains D-Mannose, pumpkin seed, uva ursi, buchu leaf, hydrangea and golden seal.
  At home, try ingesting cranberry juice and yogurt. Yogurt contains acidophilus, which is known to help healthy bacteria grow. Cranberry juice interacts with E.coli bacteria, keeping it from overproducing and creating infections. Cranberry juice can be bought in juice form, capsules or tinctures.
  Bladder Irritation is sold over the counter and claims to relieve burning and painful urination symptoms. It can be found at most health food stores.