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Treatments for Urinary tract infections



Treatment list for Urinary tract infections:

The list of treatments mentioned in various sources for Urinary tract infections includes the following list. Always seek professional medical advice about any treatment or change in treatment plans.

Treatments of Urinary tract infections: Online Medical Books

16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE! Review the full text of medical books online, free, without registration, for more information about the treatments of Urinary tract infections.

Dysuria: Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)

  • Cystitis/prostatitis: Appropriate antibiotics
    –Begin with empiric therapy and adjust to sensitivities
    –Noninfectious cystitis: Remove offending medications
    or allergens if possible
  • Pyelonephritis: Outpatient antibiotic treatment in patients who tolerate liquids and have no significant co-morbidities; otherwise, admit for IV hydration and antibiotics
  • Urolithiasis: Hydration, pain control while attempting to pass stones; urology referral if stones will not pass
  • Atrophic vaginitis: Consider estrogen creams or systemic replacement if other symptoms
  • BPH: Symptomatic relief with α-blockers, 5α-reductase-inhibitors, or saw palmetto extract
  • Sexually transmitted diseases
    –Treat specific etiology and screen for coexistent STDs (e.g., HIV, hepatitis B)
  • READ FULL BOOK TEXT ONLINE »

    Polyuria: Treatment
    (In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)

    • Central diabetes insipidus: Intranasal or oral DDAVP (a synthetic analog of ADH); must measure serum osmolarity and sodium levels regularly
    • Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus: Control the underlying cause; diuretics and dietary salt restriction can decrease solute load to the kidney and keep a mild sodium depletion so there is increased proximal tubular resorption; polydipsia and increased urine output is generally mild in the elderly and patients with chronic renal failure
    • Primary polydipsia: Limit water intake; this can be difficult especially if the cause is psychogenic
    • Diabetes mellitus: Control sugar levels with oral medications or insulin
    • Hypercalcemia and hypokalemia must be corrected and the underlying cause should be sought and treated
    • Eliminate causative medications if possible
    >>>

    READ FULL BOOK TEXT ONLINE »

    Urinary Stream (Decreased): Treatment
    (In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)

    • Initial evaluation for urinary retention, which must be treated immediately with catheterization to prevent additional injury and relieve pain; thereafter, evaluation and treatment of infection and pain is indicated
      • BPH: “Watchful waiting,” α-blockers, 5α-reductase inhibitors, TURP or other transurethral procedures, and/or open prostatectomy
      • Urethral stricture: Dilation, lysis, open surgical repair
      • Chronic urethritis/prostatitis: Long-term antibiotics
      • Prostate cancer may require prostatectomy or no intervention, depending on stage of the cancer and patient issues (e.g., age, co-morbid conditions)
      • Bladder cancer: Transurethral resection, intravesical chemotherapy; radical cystectomy for late disease, external radiation, and/or systemic chemotherapy
      • Neuropathic bladder: Parasympatholytic medications, intermittent or permanent catheterization, or surgical options (section of sacral nerve roots, ureteral diversion, and/or artificial sphincter)
      >>

    READ FULL BOOK TEXT ONLINE »

    Dysuria: Treatment
    (In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)

    • UTI: Empiric antibiotics (e.g., co-trimoxazole) pending culture; adjust antibiotics based on bacterial sensitivities
      • STD
        –Simple cervicitis: Treat with IM ceftriaxone and PO azithromycin, metronidazole if Trichomonas present
        –For an ill patient with signs of PID, consider hospital admission, give IV cefoxitin and PO doxycycline
    • Candidal vaginitis: Topical antifungal agents or oral fluconazole
    • Hypercalciuria/kidney stones
      –Increase fluid intake, decrease sodium intake (increases urinary calcium excretion), do not restrict calcium intake
      –Treat with thiazide diuretics (decrease urinary calcium excretion) if patient is persistently symptomatic and/or has urinary calculi
    • Avoid instrumentation/local irritants (e.g., bubble baths)

    >

    READ FULL BOOK TEXT ONLINE »

    Proteinuria: Treatment
    (In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)

    • All patients with persistent proteinuria should be referred to a pediatric nephrologist for evaluation
    • Younger children with the typical presentation of MCNS are treated with an empiric course of corticosteroids (4–6 weeks of high dose followed by a gradual taper)
    • Patients with atypical features (e.g., renal insufficiency, older age at presentation), asymptomatic proteinuria, or suspected systemic disease undergo renal biopsy with treatment directed at the underlying cause
    • Patient with “steroid-dependent” or steroid-resistant forms of NS may be treated with alternative immunosuppressant agents (e.g., cyclosporine, mycophenolate)
    • ACE inhibitors are an important adjunct therapy for proteinuric renal diseases, because they not only control hypertension if present, but also have direct antiproteinuric/antifibrotic effects
    >

    READ FULL BOOK TEXT ONLINE »

    Pyuria: Treatment
    (In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)

    • Suspected UTI: Empiric oral antibiotics after culture (e.g., co-trimoxazole); if acutely ill, consider intravenous antibiotics
    • Asymptomatic bacteriuria: Should not be treated unless patient develops symptoms or has a previous history of symptomatic UTI, because treatment of asymptomatic patients promotes antibiotic resistance
      • STDs
        –Simple cervicitis, treat with IM ceftriaxone and PO azithromycin; add metronidazole for Trichomonas
        –Ill patients or PID: Consider hospital admission, IV cefoxitin and oral doxycycline
    • Suspected acute interstitial nephritis
      –Discontinue any potential causative agents
      –Ensure adequate hydration
      –Monitor serum creatinine and electrolytes daily
      –Treat sequelae of acute renal failure (hyperkalemia)

    READ FULL BOOK TEXT ONLINE »

    Lower urinary tract infection: Treatment
    (Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

    Appropriate antimicrobials are the treatment of choice for most initial lower UTIs. A course of antibiotic therapy lasting from 7 to 10 days is standard, but recent studies suggest that a single dose of an antibiotic or an antibiotic regimen of 3 to 5 days length may be sufficient to render the urine sterile. After 3 days of antibiotic therapy, urine culture should show no organisms. If the urine isn’t sterile, bacterial resistance has probably occurred, making the use of a different antimicrobial necessary. Single-dose antibiotic therapy with amoxicillin or co-trimoxazole may be effective in females with acute noncomplicated UTI. A urine culture taken 1 to 2 weeks later indicates whether or not the infection has been eradicated.

    Recurrent infections due to infected renal calculi, chronic prostatitis, or structural abnormality may necessitate surgery; prostatitis also requires long-term antibiotic therapy. In patients without these predisposing conditions, long-term, low-dosage antibiotic therapy is the treatment of choice.

    PEDIATRIC TIP Fluoroquinolones aren’t used for children because of possible adverse effects on developing cartilage.

    READ FULL BOOK TEXT ONLINE »

    Urinary frequency: Patient counseling
    (Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))

    Instruct sexually active male patients in safe sex practices. Advise girls to clean the genital area from front to back to reduce contamination by Escherichia coli. Encourage women to increase intake of fluids, especially water; to void frequently throughout the day; and to clean themselves in the same manner as girls.

    READ FULL BOOK TEXT ONLINE »

    Urinary urgency: Patient counseling
    (Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))

    Instruct sexually active patients in safer sex practices. Teach women and girls about proper genital hygiene such as cleaning from front to back to reduce contamination from fecal bacteria. Instruct women to maintain adequate fluid intake to promote frequent urination.

    READ FULL BOOK TEXT ONLINE »

    Urinary tract infection, lower: Treatment
    (Handbook of Diseases)

    Appropriate antimicrobials are the treatment of choice for most initial lower UTIs. A 7- to 10-day course of antibiotic therapy is standard, but recent studies suggest that a single dose of an antibiotic or a 3- to 5-day antibiotic regimen may be sufficient to render the urine sterile. After 3 days of antibiotic therapy, urine culture should show no organisms.

    If the urine isn’t sterile, bacterial resistance has probably occurred, making the use of a different antimicrobial necessary. Single-dose antibiotic therapy with amoxicillin or co-trimoxazole may be effective in women with acute, noncomplicated UTI. A urine culture taken 1 to 2 weeks later indicates whether the infection has been eradicated.

    Recurrent infections due to infected renal calculi, chronic prostatitis, or structural abnormality may necessitate surgery; prostatitis also requires long-term antibiotic therapy. In patients without these predisposing conditions, long-term, low-dosage antibiotic therapy is the treatment of choice.

    READ FULL BOOK TEXT ONLINE »

    Dysuria: Patient counseling
    (Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)

    Encourage the patient to increase his fluid intake to 3.2 qt (3 L))/day, unless contraindicated. Explain the importance of frequent urination. Show the female patient how to perform proper perineal care and tell her to avoid tub baths, especially bubble baths, and vaginal deodorants. Explain the importance of taking the full course of prescribed antibiotics, even if symptoms subside.

    READ FULL BOOK TEXT ONLINE »

    Oliguria: Patient counseling
    (Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)

    Explain applicable fluid restrictions or increases to the patient. For example, the patient with renal calculi may require increased fluids, whereas the patient with renal failure may need to restrict fluid intake. Review the prescribed diet with the patient, and obtain a nutritional consult, if necessary.

    READ FULL BOOK TEXT ONLINE »

    Polyuria: Patient counseling
    (Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)

    Teach your patient about his underlying disorder and the need to replace fluids. Have him weigh himself daily and report any weight loss to his health care provider. Explain the signs and symptoms of dehydration and the importance of increasing fluid intake, especially in hot weather.

    READ FULL BOOK TEXT ONLINE »

    Urinary frequency: Patient counseling
    (Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)

    Instruct sexually active patients in safer sex practices. Advise girls to clean the genital area from front to back to reduce contamination by Escherichia coli. Women should increase fluid intake, especially water, void frequently throughout the day, and clean themselves in the same manner as girls.

    READ FULL BOOK TEXT ONLINE »

    Urinary hesitancy: Patient counseling
    (Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)

    Teach the patient signs and symptoms of UTI to report. Also, teach him how to perform a clean, intermittent self-catheterization.

    READ FULL BOOK TEXT ONLINE »

    Urinary incontinence: Patient counseling
    (Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)

    To prevent stress incontinence, teach the patient Kegel exercises to help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. If appropriate, teach the patient self-catheterization techniques. Reassure your patient that episodes of incontinence don’t signal a failure of the program. Encourage him to maintain a persistent, tolerant attitude.

    READ FULL BOOK TEXT ONLINE »

    Urinary urgency: Patient counseling
    (Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)

    Instruct sexually active patients in safer sex practices. Advise women and girls about proper genital hygiene — such as cleaning from front to back to reduce contamination from fecal bacteria. Instruct women to maintain adequate fluid intake, allowing frequent daily voiding.

    READ FULL BOOK TEXT ONLINE »

    Dysuria: Nursing considerations
    (Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)

     Monitor the patient's vital signs and intake and output.

     Administer prescribed drugs.

     Prepare the patient for such tests as urinalysis and cystoscopy.

    Patient teaching

     Explain the importance of increased fluid intake.

     Emphasize the importance of frequent urination.

     Teach the patient to perform perineal care.

     Discourage the use of bubble baths and vaginal deodorants.

     Discuss the importance of taking prescribed drugs as instructed.

     Explain to the patient his diagnosis and the treatment plan.

    READ FULL BOOK TEXT ONLINE »

    Oliguria: Nursing considerations
    (Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)

    ▪ Monitor the patient's vital signs, intake and output, and daily weight.

    ▪ Depending on the cause of oliguria, restrict fluids to between 0.6 and 1 L more than the patient's urine output for the previous day.

    ▪ Provide a diet low in sodium, potassium, and protein.

    ▪ Prepare the patient for diagnostic tests, such as laboratory tests (including serum blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels, urea and creatinine clearance, urine sodium levels, and urine osmolality), abdominal X-rays, ultrasonography, a computed tomography scan, cystography, and a renal scan.

    ▪ Prepare the patient for dialysis.

    Patient teaching

    ▪ Explain any fluid and dietary restrictions.

    ▪ Explain the underlying disorder and the treatment plan.

    READ FULL BOOK TEXT ONLINE »

    Polyuria: Nursing considerations
    (Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)

    ▪ Record intake and output, and weigh the patient daily.

    ▪ Monitor the patient's vital signs.

    ▪ Encourage the patient to drink adequate fluids and administer I.V. fluids as necessary.

    ▪ Prepare the patient for serum electrolyte, osmolality, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine studies to monitor fluid and electrolyte status and for a fluid deprivation test to determine the cause of polyuria.

    Patient teaching

    ▪ Review the underlying disorder and its treatments.

    ▪ Explain the need to replace fluids and monitor weight.

    ▪ Discuss signs and symptoms that require medical attention.

    READ FULL BOOK TEXT ONLINE »

    Urinary frequency: Nursing considerations
    (Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)

    ▪ Prepare the patient for diagnostic tests, such as urinalysis, culture and sensitivity tests, imaging tests, ultrasonography, cystoscopy, cystometry, postvoid residual tests, and a complete neurologic workup.

    ▪ If the patient's mobility is impaired, keep a bedpan or commode near his bed.

    ▪ Document the patient's daily intake and output amounts.

    Patient teaching

    ▪ Explain to the patient the underlying disorder and treatment plan.

    ▪ Emphasize safer sex practices.

    ▪ Instruct the patient in proper genital hygiene.

    ▪ Explain the importance of increasing fluid intake and the frequency of voiding.

    READ FULL BOOK TEXT ONLINE »

    Urinary hesitancy: Nursing considerations
    (Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)

    ▪ Monitor the patient's voiding pattern and intake and output.

    ▪ Frequently palpate for bladder distention.

    ▪ Apply local heat to the perineum or the abdomen to enhance muscle relaxation and aid urination.

    ▪ Prepare the patient for tests, such as cystometrography or cystourethrography.

    Patient teaching

    ▪ Explain the underlying disorder and treatment plan.

    ▪ Teach the patient how to perform a clean, intermittent self-catheterization.

    ▪ Discuss the importance of increasing fluid intake and voiding frequently.

    READ FULL BOOK TEXT ONLINE »

    Urinary incontinence: Nursing considerations
    (Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)

    ▪ Prepare the patient for diagnostic tests, such as cystoscopy, cystometry, and a complete neurologic workup. Obtain a urine specimen.

    ▪ Implement a bladder retraining program. (See Correcting incontinence with bladder retraining.)

    ▪ If the patient's incontinence has a neurologic basis, monitor him for urine retention, which may require periodic catheterizations.

    Patient teaching

    ▪ Explain the underlying disorder and treatment plan.

    ▪ To prevent stress incontinence, teach the patient how to perform Kegel exercises to help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.

    ▪ Teach the patient self-catheterization techniques, as appropriate.

    READ FULL BOOK TEXT ONLINE »

    Urinary urgency: Nursing considerations
    (Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)

    ▪ Prepare the patient for the diagnostic workup, including a complete urinalysis, culture and sensitivity studies, and possibly neurologic tests.

    ▪ Increase the patient's fluid intake and monitor intake and output.

    ▪ Administer an antibiotic and a urinary anesthetic, such as phenazopyridine.

    Patient teaching

    ▪ Explain the underlying disorder and treatment plan.

    ▪ Instruct the patient in safer sex practices.

    ▪ Discuss proper genital hygiene.

    ▪ Explain the need for adequate fluid intake and frequent voidings.

    ▪ Explain how to perform Kegel exercises.

    READ FULL BOOK TEXT ONLINE »

    Urine cloudiness: Nursing considerations
    (Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)

    ▪ Collect urine specimens for urinalysis and culture and sensitivity tests.

    ▪ Increase the patient's fluid intake, and administer an antibiotic and a urinary anesthetic (such as phenazopyridine).

    ▪ Continue checking the appearance of the patient's urine to monitor the effectiveness of therapy.

    Patient teaching

    ▪ Explain the underlying disorder and treatment plan.

    ▪ Teach the patient to increase his fluid intake.

    ▪ Discuss the importance of finishing the full course of antibiotics.

    ▪ Explain proper genital hygiene.

    READ FULL BOOK TEXT ONLINE »

    Medications used to treat Urinary tract infections:

    Note:You must always seek professional medical advice about any treatment or change in treatment plans.

    Some of the different medications used in the treatment of Urinary tract infections include:

    • Cephalosporin Antibiotic Drugs
    • Cefaclor
    • Ceclor
    • Cefadroxil
    • Duricef
    • Ultracef
    • Cefixime
    • Suprax
    • Cefprozil
    • Cefzil
    • Ceftriaxone
    • Rocephin
    • Cefuroxime
    • Ceftin
    • Kefurox
    • Zinaxef
    • Cephalexin
    • Apo-Cephalex
    • Cefanex
    • Ceporex
    • Keflet
    • Keflex
    • Keftab
    • Novo-Lexin
    • Nu-Cephalex
    • Loracarbef
    • Lorabid
    • Flucytosine - mainly used to treat urinary tract infections caused by Candida or Cryptococcus
    • 5-fluorocytosine - mainly used to treat urinary tract infections caused by Candida or Cryptococcus
    • 5-FC - mainly used to treat urinary tract infections caused by Candida or Cryptococcus
    • Ancobon - mainly used to treat urinary tract infections caused by Candida or Cryptococcus
    • Ancotil - mainly used to treat urinary tract infections caused by Candida or Cryptococcus
    • Novo-triphyl - mainly used to treat urinary tract infections caused by Candida or Cryptococcus
    • Fluoroquinolone antibiotic
    • Trovafloxacin
    • Floxin Uropak
    • Trimethoprim
    • Alti-Trimethoprim
    • Apo-Sulfatrim
    • Apo-Sulftarim DS
    • Bactrim
    • Bactrim DS
    • Bethaprim
    • Comoxol
    • Coptin
    • Cotrim
    • Novo-Trimel
    • Novo-Trimel DS
    • Nu-Cotrimox
    • Proloprim
    • Protrin
    • Protrin DF
    • Roubac
    • Septra
    • Septra DS
    • SMZ-TMP
    • Sulfatrim D//s
    • Trimpex
    • Uroplus DS
    • Uroplus SS
    • Acetohydroxamic Acid
    • Lithostat
    • DisperMox
    • Utimox
    • Amoxifur
    • Pro-Amox
    • Moxilin
    • Gen-Amoxicillin
    • Lin-Amox
    • PMS-Amoxicillin
    • Nandrolone
    • Acroxil
    • Amobay
    • Amoxil
    • Amoxinovag
    • Amoxisol
    • Amoxivet
    • Ampliron
    • Ardine
    • Flemoxon
    • Gimalxina
    • Grunicina
    • Hidramox
    • Moxlin
    • Penamox
    • Polymox
    • Servamox
    • Solciclina
    • Xalyn-Or
    • Amoxicillin and Clavulanate Potassium
    • Augmentin ES-600
    • Augmentin XR
    • Alti-Amoxi-Clav
    • Apo-Amoxi-Clav
    • Eumetinex
    • Aztreonam
    • Azactam
    • Carbenicillin
    • Geocillin
    • Carbecin Inyectable
    • Ceclor CD
    • Raniclor
    • Apo-Cefaclor
    • Novo-Cefaclor
    • Nu-Cefaclor
    • PMS-Cefaclor
    • Cefazolin
    • Ancef
    • Cefzol
    • Cefamezin
    • Cefepime
    • Maxipime
    • Denvar
    • Cefotaxime
    • Claforan
    • Benaxima
    • Blosint
    • Cefadril
    • Clatoran
    • Fotexina
    • Taporin
    • Viken
    • Cefotetan
    • Cefotan
    • Cefoxitin
    • Mefoxin
    • Ceftizoxime
    • Cefizox
    • Amcel
    • Benaxona
    • Cefaxona
    • Ceftrex
    • Tacex
    • Terbac
    • Triaken
    • Cipro XR
    • Ciprol XL
    • Cimogal
    • Ciprobiotic
    • Ciproflox
    • Ciprofur
    • Ciproxina
    • Eni
    • Kenzoflex
    • Microrgan
    • Mitroken
    • Nivoflox
    • Novoquin
    • Opthaflox
    • Quinoflox
    • Sophixin
    • Suiflox
    • Zipra
    • Demeclocycline
    • Declomycin
    • Ledemicina
    • Fosfomycin
    • Monurol
    • Fostocil
    • Genoptic
    • Gentak
    • Alcomicin
    • Diogent
    • Garamycin
    • Minim's Gentamicin 0.3%
    • SAB-Gentamicin
    • Garamicina
    • Genemicin
    • Genkova
    • Genrex
    • Gentabac
    • Gentacin
    • Genta Grin
    • Gentarim
    • Gentazaf
    • F.I
    • Ikatin
    • Servigenta
    • Tondex
    • Yectamicina
    • Imipenem and Cilastatin
    • Primaxin
    • Tienam
    • Meropenem
    • Merrem
    • Merrem I.V
    • Methenamine
    • Hiprex
    • Mandelamine
    • Urex
    • Dehydral
    • Utrasal
    • Nalidixic Acid
    • NegGram
    • Nitrofurantoin
    • Macrodantina
    • Apo-Nitrofurantoin
    • Macrobid
    • Macrodantin
    • Novo-Furantoin
    • Furadantin
    • Penicillin V Potassium
    • Veetids
    • Apo-Pen VK
    • Nadopen-V
    • Novo-Pen-VK
    • Nu-Pen-VK
    • PVF K
    • Phenazopyridine
    • Azo-Gesic
    • Azo-Standard
    • Prodium
    • Pyridium
    • ReAzo
    • Uristat
    • UTI Relief
    • Phenazo
    • Azo Wintomylon
    • Madel
    • Urovalidin
    • Piperacillin and Tazobactam Sodium
    • Zosyn
    • Tazocin
    • Piperacillin
    • Pipracil
    • Pivampicillin
    • Pondocillin
    • Sulfadiazine
    • Ticarcillin
    • Ticar
    • Ticarcillin and Clavulanate Potassium
    • Timentin
    • Primsol
    • Apo-Trimethoprim
    • Bactilen
    • Bactiver
    • Bactropin
    • Bateral
    • Dibaprim
    • Maxtrim
    • Septrin
    • Servitrim
    • Trimexazol
    • Trimexole-F
    • Ralodantin
    • Echinacea

    Medical news summaries about treatments for Urinary tract infections:

    The following medical news items are relevant to treatment of Urinary tract infections:

    Discussion of treatments for Urinary tract infections:

    Urinary Tract Infections in Adults: NIDDK (Excerpt)

    UTIs are treated with antibacterial drugs. The choice of drug and length of treatment depend on the patient's history and the urine tests that identify the offending bacteria. The sensitivity test is especially useful in helping the doctor select the most effective drug. The drugs most often used to treat routine, uncomplicated UTIs are trimethoprim (Trimpex), trimethoprim/ sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra, Cotrim), amoxicillin (Amoxil, Trimox, Wymox), nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin, Furadantin), and ampicillin. A class of drugs called quinolones includes four drugs approved in recent years for treating UTI. These drugs include ofloxacin (Floxin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), and trovafloxin (Trovan).

    Often, a UTI can be cured with 1 or 2 days of treatment if the infection is not complicated by an obstruction or nervous system disorder. Still, many doctors ask their patients to take antibiotics for a week or two to ensure that the infection has been cured. Single-dose treatment is not recommended for some groups of patients, for example, those who have delayed treatment or have signs of a kidney infection, patients with diabetes or structural abnormalities, or men who have prostate infections. Longer treatment is also needed by patients with infections caused by Mycoplasma or Chlamydia, which are usually treated with tetracycline, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMZ), or doxycycline. A followup urinalysis helps to confirm that the urinary tract is infection-free. It is important to take the full course of treatment because symptoms may disappear before the infection is fully cleared.

    Severely ill patients with kidney infections may be hospitalized until they can take fluids and needed drugs on their own. Kidney infections generally require several weeks of antibiotic treatment. Researchers at the University of Washington found that 2-week therapy with TMP/SMZ was as effective as 6 weeks of treatment with the same drug in women with kidney infections that did not involve an obstruction or nervous system disorder. In such cases, kidney infections rarely lead to kidney damage or kidney failure unless they go untreated.

    Various drugs are available to relieve the pain of a UTI. A heating pad may also help. Most doctors suggest that drinking plenty of water helps cleanse the urinary tract of bacteria. For the time being, it is best to avoid coffee, alcohol, and spicy foods. (And one of the best things a smoker can do for his or her bladder is to quit smoking. Smoking is the major known cause of bladder cancer.) (Source: excerpt from Urinary Tract Infections in Adults: NIDDK)

    Urinary Tract Infections in Adults: NIDDK (Excerpt)

    A woman who has frequent recurrences (three or more a year) should ask her doctor about one of the following treatment options:

    • Take low doses of an antibiotic such as TMP/SMZ or nitrofurantoin daily for 6 months or longer. (If taken at bedtime, the drug remains in the bladder longer and may be more effective.) NIH-supported research at the University of Washington has shown this therapy to be effective without causing serious side effects.

    • Take a single dose of an antibiotic after sexual intercourse.

    • Take a short course (1 or 2 days) of antibiotics when symptoms appear.
    (Source: excerpt from Urinary Tract Infections in Adults: NIDDK)

    Urinary Tract Infections in Adults: NIDDK (Excerpt)

    Usually, doctors recommend lengthier therapy in men than in women, in part to prevent infections of the prostate gland.

    Prostate infections (chronic bacterial prostatitis) are harder to cure because antibiotics are unable to penetrate infected prostate tissue effectively. For this reason, men with prostatitis often need long-term treatment with a carefully selected antibiotic. UTIs in older men are frequently associated with acute bacterial prostatitis, which can be fatal if not treated immediately. (Source: excerpt from Urinary Tract Infections in Adults: NIDDK)

    Urinary Tract Infections in Children: NIDDK (Excerpt)

    Urinary tract infections are treated with antibiotics (infection-fighting drugs). After a urine sample is obtained, the health care provider may begin treatment with a drug that treats the bacteria most likely to be causing the infection. Once culture results are known, the health care provider may switch your child to another antibiotic, if necessary.

    The way the antibiotic is given and the number of days that it must be taken depend in part on the type of infection and how severe it is. When a child is sick or not able to drink fluids, the antibiotic may need to be put directly into the bloodstream through a vein in the arm or hand. Otherwise, the medicine (liquid or pills) may be given by mouth or by shots. The medicine is given for at least 3 to 5 days and possibly for as long as several weeks. The daily treatment schedule recommended depends on the specific drug prescribed: The schedule may call for a single dose each day or up to four doses each day. In some cases, your child will need to take the medicine until further tests are finished.

    After a few doses of the antibiotic, your child may appear much better, but often several days may pass before all symptoms are gone. In any case, your child should take the medicine for as long as the doctor says. Do not stop medications because the symptoms have gone away. Infections may return, and germs can resist future treatment if the drug is stopped too soon.

    Children should drink fluids when they wish. Make sure your child drinks what he or she needs, but do not force your child to drink large amounts of fluid. The health care provider needs to know if the child is not interested in drinking. (Source: excerpt from Urinary Tract Infections in Children: NIDDK)

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