What Are the Treatments for a UTI?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a frequent occurrence among adults, especially affecting women. Symptoms include painful, frequent urination, odiferous urine, abdominal and flank pain, fatigue and fever and are treated with both prescription and over-the-counter medications along with hydration.

Antibiotics

• A UTI should be treated with antibiotics as soon as possible to kill the infection. Commonly used antibiotics include nitrofurantoin, sulfamethaxazole-trimethoprim, fluoroquinolones such as ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin and penicillins or cephalosporins such as amoxicillin and cephalexin.

Urinary Anesthetic

• Phenazopyridine is common urinary anesthetic available both by prescription and over the counter used to numb the tissue of the bladder and urethra and stop pain and burning. Phenazopyridine will turn the urine bright orange and possibly stain the underwear.

Analgesics

• Acetaminophen may be effective in treatment of pain and fever associated with UTI. NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen are generally not recommended as they are excreted by the kidneys and may contribute to renal damage in a UTI.

Cranberry Juice

• Cranberry juice can be useful in preventing and treating UTI, as it is high in proanthocyanidins that have been proven to prevent bacteria from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract. Several glasses of cranberry juice should be consumed daily during a UTI, and daily consumption may help prevent future outbreaks.

Water

• Eight or ten glasses of plain water should be consumed daily during a UTI to help flush the urinary system of bacteria. Sugary drinks and alcohol should be strictly avoided.