UTI Treatments and Medications

A UTI is an infection of the urinary tract, which includes the bladder, urethra, ureters, and kidneys. Most UTIs can be cleared up with first-line antibiotics, especially if they’re uncomplicated and haven’t spread to the kidneys. To prevent UTIs, lifestyle habits such as drinking plenty of water and wiping from front to back are recommended. It’s important to see a healthcare provider for symptoms like burning while urinating, pain in the lower abdominal area, and cloudy or bloody urine. 

How is a UTI diagnosed?

A healthcare provider can diagnose a UTI through a medical history and a quick urine test. With a urinalysis, they can check for potential markers of infection and obtain a urine culture to identify the bacteria causing it. 

A healthcare provider may ask questions about the following:

• When symptoms started

• Whether you are sexually active

• Whether urinating helps or worsens symptoms

• Whether you have recurring UTIs

• What medications are currently being taken

With this information, a healthcare provider can prescribe the best antibiotic for the infection. Keep in mind that women tend to get more UTIs than men due to their urethra being shorter and closer to the rectum.

UTI treatment options

Most uncomplicated UTIs can be cured with a short course of antibiotics. However, the type of antibiotic and the duration of treatment depend on factors such as overall symptoms, drug allergies, and whether drug-resistant bacteria are present. For those with a more serious case, like a kidney infection, a healthcare provider may prescribe a different antibiotic or a longer treatment course. Low-dose antibiotics may be recommended for recurring UTIs. 

Types of UTI medication

Antibiotics are the cornerstone of UTI treatment. They come in different types and dosage forms, including tablets, capsules, liquids, and IV solutions (for severe cases).

Nitrofurantoin

Nitrofurantoin, known by the brand names Macrobid and Macrodantin, is a first-line antibiotic for uncomplicated bladder infections. It builds up in the urine, where it kills the bacteria causing the infection. Treatment usually lasts for up to a week. Since blood levels of the drug don’t get high enough, it’s not used for kidney infections. 

Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole

Also known by the brand name Bactrim, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is a combination antibiotic used as a first-line option. It’s generally used for a few days, although treatment courses can last up to 14 days for more severe cases. Since resistance to this antibiotic is relatively common, a healthcare provider may want to check E. coli resistance before prescribing it. 

Fosfomycin

Fosfomycin is another first-line antibiotic administered as a single dose. It is known by the brand name Monurol and comes as a packet of granules that are dissolved in water. While it can be convenient to take, it may cost more than other generics.

Beta-lactams

Beta-lactam antibiotics such as Keflex (cephalexin) and Augmentin (amoxicillin-clavulanate) are potential alternative options, especially for pregnant women or people with allergies to first-line antibiotics. Amoxicillin is generally not taken alone without clavulanate since many strains of E. coli are now resistant to it.

Fluoroquinolones

A fluoroquinolone such as Cipro (ciprofloxacin) or Levaquin (levofloxacin) may be used for uncomplicated UTIs, but it's not usually a first-line option due to high rates of resistance. Since they carry a risk of serious side effects, including tendon rupture and nerve damage, they’re typically reserved for cases where other antibiotics can’t be used.

Other antibiotics 

Newer options are now available, including Pivya (pivmecillinam) and Blujepa (gepotidacin) for uncomplicated UTIs in women. These options may be helpful for bacteria that is hard to eliminate with other antibiotics. In any case, it’s important to finish the full course of antibiotics even if you feel better, since stopping treatment early could lead to antibiotic resistance.

Over-the-counter UTI medicine

No over-the-counter medicines can cure a UTI. However, phenazopyridine, sold under brand names such as AZO and Pyridium, can be bought over the counter and can help relieve symptoms like burning and pain. Pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can also help manage pain. Still, none of these options are substitutes for antibiotics, which treat the root cause of the symptoms.

Save big on your prescriptions

with the free SingleCare app.

4.8 average rating

Text a link to get the app

Send

Best medicines for UTI