Best Antibiotic for Urinary Tract Infection

Introduction:

Urinary tract infections are bacterial infections. The infection starts when bacteria move into the bladder, kidney, or tubes running between them. The infection can start from the lining of the urinary tract and lead to several symptoms and diseases. Common symptoms include pain, burning while urinating, frequent need to urinate, and pain in the lower abdomen. There are various types of UTIs based on where the bacteria move. UTIs are among the most common infections worldwide and are seen more in women than men. The best way to treat UTI is to kill the germs and bacteria with antibiotics. The patient who takes antibiotics will get relief within a few days.

What Are the Causes of Urinary Tract Infections?

Most UTIs are caused by bacteria known as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Some of the causes include.

• Menopause (end of the menstrual cycle).

• Low level of estrogen.

• Elevated vaginal pH.

• Catheter use.

• Urinary tract structural abnormality.

• Pregnancy.

• Diabetes.

• Sexual activity.

• Suppressed immune system.

How Do Antibiotics Treat Urinary Tract Infections?

Many types of bacteria, viruses, and fungi cause UTIs. If bacteria are the cause of UTI, then antibiotics are prescribed. Antibiotics for UTIs will stop the growth or kill the bacteria. Antibiotics only treat the UTI infection that is caused by bacteria, whether the UTI is complicated or uncomplicated. The dose, length, and type of treatment depend upon the patient’s health status and the bacteria in the urine culture.

Which Antibiotics Will Work Best to Treat Urinary Tract Infections?

• The doctor will take the urine sample and send it to the lab for diagnosis. The lab technician will grow the germs in a dish. Based on the bacteria diagnosed, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics.

• The dose and medication depend on whether the infection is complicated or uncomplicated.

What Are the Best Antibiotics Prescribed to Treat Urinary Tract Infections?

There are multiple types of antibiotics used to treat UTIs. Antibiotic treatment depends upon the bacteria, the patient's health status, and whether the UTI is complicated or uncomplicated.

1. Antibiotics for Uncomplicated UTIs: If a person is healthy and whose urinary tract is anatomically and functionally normal, it is known as an uncomplicated UTI. For these individuals, antibiotics are considered as first-line treatment. In women, a single dose or five-day course is prescribed. For men, antibiotics are prescribed for longer periods. The doctor will prescribe the first-line treatment if a person is diagnosed with an uncomplicated UTI. The antibiotics are as follows.

First-Line Antibiotics:

• Nitrofurantoin - It is used to treat cystitis (bladder inflammation). It concentrates in the urinary tract and maintains low serum levels. It kills the most common UTI-causing bacteria. This antibiotic is prescribed to pregnant women. The antibiotic has a few side effects and a low potential for antibiotic resistance.

  • Dose: 100 mg (milligrams) twice a day for five days.

• Trimethoprim / Sulfamethoxazole - It is also known as Cotrimoxazole. It is used to treat illnesses, including middle ear infections and pneumonia. It is a combination of two drugs to make the treatment effective.

  • Dose: 160 to 180 milligrams twice a day for three days.

• Fosfomycin - This antibiotic treats highly resistant bacteria. It works by killing and preventing the growth of bacteria from the lining of the urinary tract.

  • Dose: 3 milligrams once a day.

Second-Line Antibiotics: If the person is allergic to first-line antibiotics or the first-line antibiotics stop working or become ineffective. They are as follows.

• Beta-lactam agents include antibiotics such as Amoxicillin, Cefdinir, Cefpodoaime-proxetil, and Cefaclor. They have lower clinical and bacterial cure rates than first-line antibiotics. Dose:

  • Amoxicillin and Clavulanate - 500 milligrams twice daily for five to seven days.

  • Cefdinir - 300 milligrams tablet twice daily for five to seven days.

  • Cephalexin - 250 to 500 milligrams every six to twelve hours for five to seven days.

• Fluoroquinolones include Ciprofloxacin, Gatifloxacin, Levofloxacin, Norfloxacin, Ofloxacin, Finafloxacin, and Rufloxacin. These are most effective in the treatment of UTIs. Dose:

  • Levofloxacin - 250 milligrams tablet twice daily for two days.

  • Ciprofloxacin - 250 to 500 milligrams every 12 to 24 hours for five to seven days.

  • Finafloxacin - 100 milligrams twice daily for seven days.

Antibiotics for Complicated UTIs:

Complicated UTIs present in persons are as follows.

• Urinary tract abnormalities are present.

• Pregnant women.

• Children.

• Kidney infections.

• Poorly controlled diabetes.

• Old age.

In complicated UTIs, antibiotics are given intravenously in the hospital. The antibiotics include.

• Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole antibiotic effectively treats UTIs in men.

• Fluoroquinolones include Cipro and Levaquin.

• Unasyn antibiotic is a combination of Ampicillin and Sulbactam.

• Ceftriaxone antibiotic belongs to the Cephalosporin group of antibiotics.

• Vabomere antibiotic is prescribed to adults. The antibiotic is given as an intravenous infusion every eight hours.

• Fetroja antibiotic is prescribed to adults with kidney infections caused by gram-negative microorganisms.

• Recarbrio antibiotic is a combination of three drugs prescribed to adults.

Therefore, it is advised to seek medical advice if one has any concerns that they may have a urinary tract infection (UTI). Through both online and in-person consultations, healthcare providers possess the expertise to accurately diagnose urinary tract infections (UTIs) and provide tailored recommendations.

What Are the Treatment Strategies for Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections?

Recurrent UTIs are defined as two or more UTIs within twelve months. Recurrent UTIs are more common in women. In recurrent UTIs, several antibiotics are prescribed to prevent infection and relieve pain.

• Use First-Line Antibiotics - Nitrofurantoin and Fosfomycin are the initially prescribed antibiotics.

  • Duration of Dosage: For an uncomplicated infection, antibiotics are usually prescribed for two to three days or in some cases, for seven to ten days, and for complicated infections, medication is prescribed for 14 days or more.

Antibiotics usually work well against urinary tract infections, but in case the symptoms of UTI persist after the antibiotic course, the doctor can even prescribe a prolonged dosage to treat the condition.

• Repeat Testing - If UTI symptoms do not relieve even after the antimicrobial therapy, the doctor may advise the patient to repeat the testing, including urine culture and antibiotic susceptibility, to guide further management.

• Vaginal Estrogen - In-recurrent UTIs in menopausal women, vaginal estrogen therapy is recommended to reduce the risk of UTIs.

Alternative Medicines - Cranberry juice, or other cranberry products, such as tablets are also thought to prevent urinary tract infection. However, the outcome of this research is still underway. A person consuming Warfarin or other blood-thinning medications should not drink cranberry juice.

What Are the Side Effects of Antibiotics for Urinary Tract Infections?

Like other medications, antibiotics also cause side effects. The most common side effects related to antibiotics are as follows.

• Nausea.

• Vomiting.

• Skin rash.

• Nerve damage.

• Headache.

• Bodyache.

• Diarrhea.

• Allergic reactions.

• Breathing problems.

Conclusion:

Urinary tract infections are the most common bacterial infection causing serious complications. Antibiotics are prescribed if bacteria cause UTI. The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms and prevent serious complications. Healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, must educate patients and family members about UTIs and antibiotics as a treatment. Healthcare teams must work together to achieve better outcomes.