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Can a baby start antibiotics before a urine test for UTI?

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Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

My son is 20 months old. He is suffering from a UTI. Since yesterday, he has cried while urinating in the morning. He has a fever for two days, a cough, and runny nose for five days. The general physician gave Cefpodoxime oral syrup, but a urine test has to be done tomorrow morning only. Should we start the antibiotic? No pediatrician nearby and we have to drive six hours to another town for the pediatrician. Please suggest me.

Thank you.
Answered by Dr. Gunda Srinivas

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Gunda Srinivas is a highly experienced Pediatrician with extensive years of clinical expertise in Child Health. He provides comprehensive care for infants, children, adolescents, and young adults, focusing on their growth, development, and overall well-being. Dr. Srinivas is dedicated to diagnosing and treating childhood illnesses while also guiding preventive care, immunizations, and health education. His compassionate approach ensures that both children and parents feel supported throughout the care journey.

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Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

Crying while voiding urine and fever might be due to a urinary tract infection (UTI).

Urine routine and microscopy needs to be done for screening, and if it suggests infection, then a urine sample for culture and sensitivity needs to be given, and oral antibiotics have to be started. The culture report, which takes two to three days, will guide the further use of antibiotics if any infection is positive.

Antibiotics should be started only after giving off a sample for culture and sensitivity if a UTI is suspected. Giving a urine sample for testing after taking antibiotics might alter the test report and delay the infection.

I hope that you get your answer.

Please let me know if you need any help.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At June 27, 2016
Reviewed At January 6, 2026

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Gunda Srinivas is a highly experienced Pediatrician with extensive years of clinical expertise in Child Health. He provides comprehensive care for infants, children, adolescents, and young adults, focusing on their growth, development, and overall well-being. Dr. Srinivas is dedicated to diagnosing and treating childhood illnesses while also guiding preventive care, immunizations, and health education. His compassionate approach ensures that both children and parents feel supported throughout the care journey.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

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Baby UTI Antibiotic Timing Decision Helper: When to Start Treatment

Baby UTI concerns?

Five quick questions help you understand the urgency of your baby's symptoms and the best steps regarding antibiotics and testing for a suspected urinary tract infection (UTI).

This tool provides educational information only and does not diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical guidance.
Dr. Gunda Srinivas
Dr. Gunda Srinivas

Pediatrics

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Gunda Srinivas is a highly experienced Pediatrician with extensive years of clinical expertise in Child Health. He provides comprehensive care for infants, children, adolescents, and young adults, focusing on their growth, development, and overall well-being. Dr. Srinivas is dedicated to diagnosing and treating childhood illnesses while also guiding preventive care, immunizations, and health education. His compassionate approach ensures that both children and parents feel supported throughout the care journey.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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