What Medications Can You Take For A UTI?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) can be uncomfortable and interfere with your day. Urinary tract infections are extremely common. In fact, UTIs are the most common infection contracted inside or outside of the hospital. [1] If you are experiencing one, you may be wondering what medications you can take for a UTI. The answer is that there are many options for treating the underlying infection and the symptoms. This article discusses some medications available for this uncomfortable condition.
What Is a UTI?
A UTI is an infection of the structures of the urinary tract. Cystitis, or a bladder infection, is specific to the bladder, but UTI is a term for an infection that occurs anywhere between the kidneys and the urethra. Most commonly, UTIs and cystitis are used interchangeably. Pyelonephritis, or a kidney infection, is another type of UTI that can be more serious and may prompt more urgent medical care. UTIs are more common in women than men due to a shorter urethra, making it easier for bacteria to travel to the bladder. [2]
Most UTIs are simple and easy to treat. However, if they reach the kidneys or become recurrent, they are considered complicated and can be more difficult to treat.
What Causes a UTI?
Urinary tract infections can be caused by bacterial infections or, more rarely, viral or fungal infections. The most common bacteria to cause a UTI is Escherichia coli (E. coli), but other bacteria can contribute as well, including Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, and Staphylococcus aureus, among others. [3,4] UTIs due to fungal and viral infections are much rarer.
Risk factors for a UTI include [2,5]:
- Being female
- Being sexually active
- Using certain types of birth control, such as a diaphragm
- Being menopausal
- Having abnormal urinary anatomy
- Having blockages in the urinary tract, such as an enlarged prostate or kidney stone
- Having a condition that suppresses the immune system, such as diabetes
- Having instrumentation of the bladder, such as with a surgical procedure or using a urinary catheter
- Having a previous UTI
- Using spermicides
- Being pregnant
- Age (older adults or children)
- Dehydration
What Are the Complications of a UTI?
If caught and treated early, UTIs are easily cured. However, complications of UTIs can sometimes occur. Some of these complications include [5]:
- Chronic prostatitis (infection of the prostate)
- High blood pressure
- Loss of bladder control
- Persistent symptoms
- Abscess of the prostate
- Kidney infections and abscesses
- Kidney failure
In addition to the health ramifications of UTIs, they are also associated with significant costs. Missed work and school are common, and occasionally, hospitalizations are necessary.
What Are the Symptoms of a UTI?
Urinary tract infections can cause a number of symptoms, and the symptoms vary based on what part of the urinary tract is affected. If you have a UTI, the symptoms may include [6]:
- Pain with urination (dysuria)
- Blood in the urine (hematuria)
- Loss of bladder control (urinary incontinence)
- Urinary frequency
- Urinary urgency
- Cloudy urine
- Foul-smelling urine
- Pressure in the pelvis
- Fever
- Pelvic pain
- Flank pain
- Abdominal pain
- Pain in the urethra or penis
- Fatigue
- Nausea or vomiting
- Alterations in mental status, including delirium and confusion
Not all of the symptoms need to be present to diagnose a UTI, and the symptoms of a UTI can mimic other conditions.
How Is a UTI Diagnosed?
If you have symptoms of a UTI, you should seek care from a healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can ensure that a UTI is causing your symptoms and not one of the other conditions that can cause similar symptoms. Your healthcare provider will ask you about your symptoms and your risk factors as well as your history. They may also recommend other tests. Your provider can check for white and red blood cells as well as bacteria by dipping your urine. They may also recommend a urine culture in certain circumstances. [7] A urine test can be falsely negative, which is one of the reasons that a culture may be necessary. The urine culture can help your healthcare provider know which antibiotics to use. You can also get UTI treatment online.
What Medications Are Available for UTIs?
There are many medication choices for treating a UTI. Your healthcare provider can help you determine which one is right for you. Over-the-counter (OTC) treatments may help alleviate symptoms, and prescription antibiotics can treat the underlying infection.
OTC Options
OTC medications can help treat some of the symptoms associated with a UTI. Some of the OTC medication choices include acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, and products such as phenazopyridine hydrochloride. It is important to note that these medications don’t treat the underlying infection; they are used to alleviate some of the symptoms.
Prescription Options
There are many prescription options available for treating a UTI. Your healthcare provider will examine your allergies, risk factors, and history to help determine which options are best for you.
Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid®, Macrodantin®) is one of the most common antibiotics for uncomplicated UTIs. It can be used to treat UTIs and may be used as an option to prevent UTIs in people who get them frequently. [5] This is also commonly used in pregnancy. [2]
Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (Bactrim™, Septra®) is another common antibiotic for UTIs. Some areas have more resistance to this antibiotic, so where you are located geographically is another factor that must be considered. [5] People who are allergic to sulfa or who are pregnant shouldn’t use this antibiotic. [2]
Fosfomycin is used in the case of resistant bacteria. It’s available in a single dose, which is helpful for people who have trouble reliably taking medications. This medication is also safe in pregnancy. [2,5]
Fluoroquinolone medications such as ciprofloxacin are used in some cases but are no longer recommended as first-line medications due to concerns about possible tendon rupture. [5,8]
Oral beta-lactam medications such as amoxicillin can be used when other medications cannot be used. These medications are not usually considered first-line agents. [2]
Non-Medication Treatment Options for UTI
You can do other things at home to help treat your urinary tract symptoms. Increasing your fluid intake can help clear the bacteria from your urinary tract. [2] Increasing your fluids with non-sugary, non-caffeinated drinks can help improve your symptoms. Water and herbal teas are two good choices. You can try to prevent UTIs by [6]:
- Wearing loose-fitting clothing
- Avoiding spermicides
- Urinating after intercourse (a good sexual health habit)
- Not holding your urine
- Using a form of birth control other than a diaphragm
- Wearing cotton or loose-fitting clothing
- Wiping front to back after using the bathroom
- Changing your menstrual products regularly
- Drinking lots of fluids
Can I Get a UTI Diagnosis Online?
Getting into the doctor’s office to get a prescription can be difficult and inconvenient. Even if your doctor offers telehealth visits, they may not be able to get you in or may not be open when your symptoms occur. Fortunately, there are options to get online treatment.
Online telehealth platforms such as Everlywell offer advantages over traditional medical models, including:
- Getting care from anywhere, including your own home
- Increased availability as many companies offer same-day or next-day appointments
- Affordable treatment options, as many online forms accept insurance and offer low-cost treatment options
Get Help With Your Urinary Symptoms From Everlywell
No one wants to get a urinary tract infection, and these symptoms don’t follow your timeline. With healthcare provider shortages affecting the medical system across the country, care may not be available at a time that is convenient for you. Waiting at a medical office can be inconvenient, time-consuming, and costly. Everlywell provides an option for more convenient care and for getting antibiotics for a UTI without seeing a doctor or healthcare provider in person. At Everlywell, we are available on your schedule. Consider scheduling an appointment for a virtual care visit with one of our qualified healthcare professionals.
At Everlywell, we can help you with your healthcare journey and discuss treatment for your UTI symptoms from the comfort of your home. Visit us today to book your appointment for UTI treatment online.
References
- Medina M, Castillo-Pino E. An introduction to the epidemiology and burden of urinary tract infections. Ther Adv Urol. 2019;11:1756287219832172. doi:10.1177/1756287219832172
- Urinary tract infection (UTI) - Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. Published September 14, 2022. Accessed August 25, 2024. Medical Citation URL.
- Al Lawati H, Blair BM, Larnard J. Urinary tract infections: core curriculum 2024. Am J Kidney Dis. 2024;83(1):90-100. doi:10.1053/j.ajkd.2023.08.009
- Flores-Mireles AL, Walker JN, Caparon M, Hultgren SJ. Urinary tract infections: epidemiology, mechanisms of infection and treatment options. Nat Rev Microbiol. 2015;13(5):269-284. doi:10.1038/nrmicro3432
- Bono MJ, Leslie SW, Reygaert WC. Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections. In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; November 13, 2023.
- Urinary tract infections. Cleveland Clinic. Last reviewed April 26, 2023. Accessed August 25, 2024. Medical Citation URL.
- Urinary tract infection (UTI) - Diagnosis and treatment. Published September 14, 2022. Accessed August 25, 2024. Medical Citation URL.
- Shu Y, Zhang Q, He X, Liu Y, Wu P, Chen L. Fluoroquinolone-associated suspected tendonitis and tendon rupture: A pharmacovigilance analysis from 2016 to 2021 based on the FAERS database. Front Pharmacol. 2022;13:990241. doi:10.3389/fphar.2022.990241