Which Antibiotics are best to treat Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary tract infections are quite uncomfortable and cause several painful symptoms. Getting relief from it is essential.
Nowadays, several medications called antibiotics are used to treat urinary infections. However, always choose one only after consulting your healthcare provider.
Antibiotics have the power to prevent bacteria from growing. Thus, when you take antibiotics, it stops bacteria from growing, which treats UTIs.
Bacteria mainly cause urinary tract infections. But there can be other reasons as well, such as viruses, fungi, etc.
Infections caused by viruses and fungi cannot be treated with antibiotics. Only bacterial infections can be treated.
This blog describes some of the antibiotics along with the side effects people observe when treating urinary tract infections.
Antibiotics That Treat Urinary Tract Infection
All antibiotics available in the market cannot be used to treat UTIs. Some of them do help. This list of Antibiotics can be used.
Amoxycillin
Amoxycillin belongs to the penicillin class of Antibiotics. Other antibiotics, too, that don't belong to the same class but are related to penicillin, are related to it.
Some of such antibiotics are Cephalexin, Cefdinir, and more. These medications kill or prevent bacteria from growing by destroying the cell wall.
Amoxicillin, although, doesn't work in all people because it is antibiotic-resistant. In some men, it works perfectly.
For children suffering from urinary tract infections, antibiotics such as Cephalexin, Cefdinir, and such may help.
You must take around 500 mg of amoxicillin for 5 to 7 days to treat UTI. Cefdinir can be taken at 300 mg for 5 to 7 days.
Cephalexin can be taken from 250 mg to 500 for 5 to 7 days. In children, the treatment may last for longer, up to 10 days.
The side effects experienced while taking these medications are:
- Vomiting
- Rash
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vaginal yeast infection
- Itching
- Tongue inflammation
- Stevens johnson syndrome
Trimethoprim
Trimethoprim contains two different antibiotics: trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole. Both antibiotics help in blocking the proteins bacteria need to survive.
Trimethoprim is the best medicine to treat urinary tract infections. For some people, Bactrim doesn't respond as well as it should due to its antibiotic resistance.
You must take 160/800 mg of medicine twice a day for 3 days to cure UTI. If you are a kidney patient, you will be prescribed a low dose.
The side effects experienced from this medicine are:
- Rash
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Headache
- Indigestion
- Appetite loss
- Diarrhea
- Kidney failure
- Hepatitis
- Low blood cells
- Toxic epidermal necrolysis
Doxycycline
Bacteria always require proteins to survive. Doxycycline prevents bacteria from making those proteins.
Doxycycline is not always used to treat cystitis. It also is used to treat certain urinary tract infections.
You must use 100 mg of Doxycycline for 7 days and twice a day for effective results in treating urinary tract infections.
The side effects people experience with Doxycycline are:
- Nausea
- Sunburn
- Stomach upset
- Diarrhea
- Appetite loss
- Vomiting
- High pressure in the brain
Nitrofurantoin
Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic primarily used to treat urinary tract infections caused in the bladder, such as cystitis.
It accumulates in the bladder. This prevents the bacteria from making the proteins they require to survive.
You must take 100 mg of Nitrofurantoin twice a day for 5 days to get effective results in treating UTI.
A patient suffering from kidney problems should avoid using Nitrofurantoin as it is not the proper treatment for them.
The side effects one experience after taking Nitrofurantoin are:
- Gas
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Rash
- Appetite loss
- Hives
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Abdominal pain
- Stevens johnson syndrome
- Jaundice
- Pancreatitis
Ciprofloxacin/Levofloxacin
Both Ciprofloxacin and Levofloxacin are the best antibiotics used to treat urinary tract infections. These antibiotics prevent bacteria from multiplying and copying DNA.
Ciprofloxacin and Levofloxacin are the two best antibiotics. These antibiotics work much better than other antibiotics.
However, the risk of side effects associated with these antibiotics is much higher. These medicines are prescribed only to patients with severe UTIs.
You must take 250 mg of Levofloxacin twice a day for 3 days. Ciprofloxacin must be taken in 250 to 500 mg for 5 to 7 days.
However, if you are a kidney patient, discuss this with your healthcare provider. After checking the kidney function, your doctor will advise whether you should take this or not.
The side effects of the medication are:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Rash
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Irregular heartbeats
- Tendon rupture
Side Effects of Antibiotics for Urinary Tract Infection
Antibiotics may also cause specific side effects. Mostly, the side effects experienced while taking antibiotics are vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea.
If any of the side effects get severe, it is best to consult with your healthcare provider. Diarrhea is a commonly reported side effect that is, though not too serious.
The diarrhea caused by C. diff bacteria is often a serious one. Minor skin reactions, such as skin rashes, are mild with antibiotics, which you don't need to worry about.
Attain medical help right away if you experience something severe, such as breathing difficulty.
How Long Can Antibiotics Treat UTIs Take?
The actual time taken depends on how severe your infection is. The usual taking time is around 5 to 7 days for most of the antibiotics.
In children, the treatment can last for a longer duration, such as 10 days. As soon you start taking medicines, the symptoms will fade away in just 1 to 2 days.
It is always good to complete the duration of medicine you are asked to. Otherwise, the risk of re-infections arises.
Final words
We all know how disgusting urinary tract infections are. Hence, we discuss some of the best antibiotics that can help you overcome such infections.
Always start any new antibiotics if you are only prescribed by your healthcare provider. Your doctor will check several things before deciding on the right antibiotics for you.
The factors checked are age, medical history, the severity of the UTI, and more.
