Medication for a Urinary Tract Infection

A urinary tract infection (UTI), also referred to as cystitis or a bladder infection, is a bacterial infection in the urinary tract. Symptoms include a frequent and urgent need to urinate, pain, fever and backache. UTIs are common, especially in women. Most UTIs are caused by a type of bacteria known as E. coli, according to the Penn State College of Medicine. If you have a urinary tract infection, you will feel extremely uncomfortable. However, UTIs are easily cured when treated promptly.

Antibiotics

• Antibiotics are the first-line treatment for a urinary tract infection. The usual choices are amoxicillin (brand name Amoxil and Trimox), nitrofurantoin (brand name Furadantin and Macrodantin), ciproflaxcin (brand name Cipro), levofloxacin (brand name Levaquin) or sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (brand name Bactrim). You should take the full prescribed course of antibiotics to make sure the infection is completely cleared up and doesn't move on to the kidneys. Some people have recurrent UTIs. If you fall into this category, your doctor will usually treat you with a longer course of antibiotics. He may even recommend taking low-dose antibiotics on a maintenance basis. Some women find that sexual intercourse can lead to urinary tract infections. If this happens to you, talk to your doctor about taking one dose of an appropriate antibiotic each time you have intercourse.

Other Medications

• The compelling need to urinate and the burning and pain that accompanies it are symptoms that can make you feel miserable. As the antibiotics clear up the infection, this will go away. However, a doctor may prescribe medications to help you deal with this immediately. A pain medication that numbs the bladder may help; this medication turns the urine orange or blue. Your doctor may also prescribe other medications that lower the bacteria concentration. Over-the-counter painkillers can help with some of the back and abdominal pain that often accompanies a UTI. Or, if your pain is severe, your doctor may order prescription pain medication. While treating your UTI, drink plenty of fluids to help wash out the bacteria.

Treating Severe Infections

• A very severe urinary tract infection can send you to the hospital. You'll receive antibiotics intravenously, as well as fluids to keep you hydrated. A severe UTI that turns into a kidney infection needs at least two weeks of antibiotic treatment, according to the National Women's Health Resource Center.