Friday, March 29, 2024

What Antibiotics Treat Bladder Infection

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Can Doctors Treat Utis Via Telemedicine

Why is it important to treat UTIs with antibiotics?

Telemedicine is an increasingly popular method of treating UTIs. In addition to being convenient, its also discreet and frequently more affordable than an in-office visit.

Since doctors cant collect a urine specimen via telemedicine, they will typically make their diagnosis using a series of questions that identify and analyze your symptoms. Your telehealth provider will also want to know if you have a history of UTIs, as well as if there are any other factors that may complicate your UTI, such as pregnancy or a chronic health condition.

Ultimately, the fact that UTIs are extremely common assists physicians in their ability to accurately diagnose and treat UTIs online. In the event that your UTI symptoms present themselves as more severe or as something else entirely, your telemedicine professional will instruct you to visit another physician in the office for a follow-up or to perform a urinalysis. Most of the time, however, your telehealth provider can diagnose your infection and prescribe antibiotics via video alone. Certain telehealth providers may be able to fill your prescription as well, which can save you the expense of going through a pharmacy.

Discuss With Your Doctor If Some Of Your Uti Symptoms Persist After Antibiotics

Here are several questions that you should think about prior to your doctor visit to help your physician with the right information:

  • Are your symptoms stronger when the bladder is full and you feel better after urination?
  • Does a certain position trigger bladder pain?
  • Do you feel that your symptoms stay the same over the course of days and even weeks?
  • Is there blood in your urine, foul smell, or is your urine cloudy?
  • If youd like more help on how to discuss your UTI with your provider and how to make the most out of your patient-doctor relationships, check out my Actionable Guide here.

Do I Really Need To Take Antibiotics For A Uti

In most cases, it makes sense to start antibiotics if you know you have a bacterial UTI since this is the only way to treat it.

While it is possible for a UTI to go away on its own, this doesnt always happen. Plus, youll still have to deal with uncomfortable UTI symptoms like pain during urination while waiting to see if the UTI will go away. And if it doesnt, the infection can travel up your urinary tract and cause a more serious infection in your kidneys called pyelonephritis. If youre pregnant, have underlying health conditions, or are older than 65 years old, you should not try to treat a UTI without antibiotics.

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How To Take It

Swallow nitrofurantoin tablets and capsules whole. Do not chew or break them.

There’s a liquid nitrofurantoin for people who find it difficult to swallow tablets.

If you’re taking nitrofurantoin as a liquid, it’ll usually be made up for you by your pharmacist. The medicine will come with a syringe or spoon to help you take the right amount. If you do not have a syringe or spoon, ask your pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not give the right amount.

The dose of nitrofurantoin you need to take depends on whether it’s being used to treat or prevent a urinary tract infection, your age, and how bad the infection is.

Cranberry Juice And Extracts

ASK DIS: Urinary Tract Infection: Antibiotics in Adults

Who hasnât been told to âdrink cranberry juiceâ to treat a UTI? Itâs probably the most common and poorly understood home remedies to get rid of a UTI without antibiotics. So how do we separate false claims from facts?

Science. That pesky little tool we turn to when Facebook group discussions get really heated. Now not all science is the same.

The most powerful scientific tool is a randomized controlled trial. This is the fancy doctor term for taking two groups of patients and randomly assigning them to a placebo or a treatment. Then let the results speak for themselves.

A 2021 review paper of existing randomized controlled trials on the effectiveness of cranberry consumption revealed that cranberry juice has no known benefit, but cranberry extracts may help get rid of a UTI without antibiotics.

If cranberry juices helps then itâs probably a combination of the placebo effect and hydrating . The reasons why cranberry juice is not a great choice?

  • It has sugar. Bacteria LOVE sugar.
  • It is acidic. Bladders HATE acid.
  • It does not have enough of the anti-UTI compounds that are in cranberries.
  • This is probably why high quality cranberry extracts show more promise in getting rid of a UTI without antibiotics. One great option is from Utiva Health, which loads its supplements with PACs. PACs are the compounds in cranberries which flush out bacteria and keep your bladder healthy.

    Will consuming cranberry juice or extracts help you get rid of a UTI without antibiotics?

    Don’t Miss: Start Of Bladder Infection What To Do

    Wipe From Front To Back

    According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases , UTIs can develop when bacteria from the rectum or feces gain access to the urethra. This small channel allows urine to flow out of the body.

    Once bacteria are in the urethra, they can travel up into other urinary tract organs, where they can lead to infections.

    After urinating, wipe in a way that prevents bacteria from coming into contact with the genitals. Use separate pieces of toilet paper to wipe the genitals and anus.

    Get Your Prescription Filled Right Away

    Once you are done with your appointment and have received a prescription for an antibiotic, its important you get it filled at a pharmacy as soon as possible. The faster you start taking your medication, the faster your UTI will be gone.

    If you usually use next-day prescription delivery or a mail order pharmacy, this is one time when you should avoid doing this. These options can cause a delay by anywhere from 1 day to 1 week . Youre better off using a local pharmacy in this case.

    If going into the pharmacy is a concern due to COVID-19, many pharmacies have added options to help minimize the amount of time you are inside the building. Some options to ask about at your pharmacy include:

    • Same-day delivery through services like Instacart

    • Using the pharmacys drive-thru pick-up window

    • Curbside pick-up

    • Paying ahead of time through the pharmacys smartphone app to make your time spent at the checkout counter faster

    Every pharmacy is different, so make sure to ask your personal pharmacy if these options are available at your location.

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    Latest Antibiotics For Utis

    Vabomere

    • Vabomere is a combination carbapenem antibiotic and beta-lactamase inhibitor. Vabomere was first approved in August of 2017.
    • Vabomere is used for the treatment of adult patients with complicated urinary tract infections due to susceptible Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter cloacae species complex.
    • Vabomere is given as an intravenous infusion every 8 hours. Dosage adjustments are required in patients with varying degrees of kidney impairment.

    Zemdri

    • Zemdri is an aminoglycoside antibacterial for the treatment of complicated urinary tract infections, including pyelonephritis. Zemdri was first approved in February of 2015.
    • Zemdri is used against certain Enterobacteriaceae in patients who have limited or no alternative treatment options. Zemdri is an intravenous infusion, administered once daily.

    See also: Treatment Options for UTIs

    Can You Treat A Uti Without Antibiotics

    Antibiotic Awareness: Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), Cystitis or Bladder Infection

    Antibiotics are an effective treatment for UTIs. However, the body can often resolve minor, uncomplicated UTIs on its own without the help of antibiotics.

    Complicated UTIs will require medical treatment. These UTIs involve one or more of the following factors:

    More severe risks of using antibiotics include:

    Also Check: How Long Does It Take To Cure A Bladder Infection

    How Are Most Utis Diagnosed

    There are several ways that your physician can diagnose a UTI. To provide the best antibiotic treatment for UTI, he or she needs to determine the location of the infection and whether your UTI is complicated. He or she also needs to rule out other conditions that present similarly to UTI, such as vaginitis or certain sexually transmitted diseases.

    Most UTIs are diagnosed via urine test. In some instances, your healthcare provider may also order blood cultures and a complete blood count. These test results will confirm the type of bacteria, virus or fungus thats causing the infection.

    Bacteria is to blame for the vast majority of UTIs, and theyre treated using a wide range of antibiotics. In rarer cases, where a virus is behind the infection, antivirals such as cidofovir are prescribed. Fungal UTIs are treated with antifungals.

    How Is A Bladder Infection Diagnosed

    Bladder infections are usually diagnosed with a urine test.

    • Urinalysis, which checks for white blood cells in the urine that can be a sign of infection
    • Urine culture, which uses a sample of urine to try and grow bacteria in a laboratory to identify the type of bacteria causing the UTI and determine which antibiotics would be effective against that bacteria

    In people who have recurrent bladder infections, additional testing may be indicated to check for abnormalities in the kidneys, ureter, bladder, or urethra, or for kidney stones. Tests may include:

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    Treating A Yeast Infection

    Yeast infections are treated using antifungal medications. These are available in many forms, such as clotrimazole and miconazole, which are available over the counter. There is also an oral medication, fluconazole , available as a prescription if you prefer a pill to a vaginal cream or suppository.

    How Long Do I Need To Take Antibiotics To Treat A Uti

    Antibiotics recommended for the treatment of urinary tract ...

    How long you take antibiotics for a UTI depends on how severe your UTI is and which antibiotic youre prescribed. Some medications like fosfomycin only require one dose, while a more severe UTI might require 14 days or more of treatment. Most require 3 to 7 days of treatment.

    Within the first 1 to 2 days of starting your antibiotics, youll probably notice your UTI symptoms start to fade away. If your UTI is more severe or youve had symptoms for a while before starting antibiotics, it might take a few more days for you to notice improvement.

    In any case, its important to take all the antibiotics youre prescribed, even if you start feeling better before finishing them. Stopping antibiotics early can lead to antibiotic resistance, which means the medication might not work as well as it should if you need it to treat an infection in the future. It can also mean your UTI might come back if you havent treated it completely.

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    Practice Good Sexual Hygiene

    The also says that sexual intercourse introduces bacteria and other microbes from outside the body to the urinary tract. Practicing good sexual hygiene can help to reduce the number of bacteria that people can transfer during intercourse and other sexual acts.

    Examples of good sexual hygiene include:

    • urinating before and immediately after sex
    • using barrier contraception, such as a condom
    • washing the genitals, especially the foreskin, before and after engaging in sexual acts or intercourse
    • washing the genitals or changing condoms if switching from anal sex to vaginal sex
    • ensuring that sexual partners are aware of any current or previous UTIs

    Which Antibiotic Should Be Used To Treat A Uti

    There are multiple types of antibiotics used to treat urinary tract infections . Different treatments may be recommended in different areas of the country based on regional patterns of antibiotic resistance.

    Most patients with an uncomplicated UTI will begin treatment without any special diagnostic test, although a urinalysis may be performed by taking a urine sample. In a urinalysis, the chemical components of the urine are determined, and the doctor may look at urine color, clarity, and a view a sample under the microscope. A urine culture may be order, too, but is not always needed to start treatment. A urine culture can define the specific bacteria causing the UTI in more complicated cases or in the case of treatment failure.

    Symptoms like burning and stinging while urinating will usually clear up in within one day after starting treatment. Be sure to finish your entire course of medication. If symptoms are still present after 2 to 3 days, contact your healthcare provider.

    More extensive diagnostic procedures or imaging tests like an X-ray may be required if you continue to have frequent UTIs.

    Also Check: How To Treat A Leaky Bladder

    Treatments For A Urinary Tract Infection

    The type of treatment you are prescribed and the length of time you need to take medicine depends on your health history and the type of bacteria found in your urine.

    Medications

    Doctors commonly prescribe antibiotics for urinary tract infections. Amoxicillin is a type of antibiotic medicine that stops the growth of bacteria in your urine.

    Amoxicillin comes as a capsule, tablet, or liquid to be taken by mouth. The medicine is taken two or three times a day with or without food. If you have a UTI and are prescribed an antibiotic like amoxicillin, you should start feeling better within a few days. It is important to remember that even though your symptoms may start to subside within a few days, you should continue to take your medicine as prescribed by your doctor. The treatment length depends on your unique circumstances.

    Home care

    A healthy lifestyle that includes methods like regular bathing and good hygiene may help you control and prevent urinary tract infections. These techniques include:

    • Choosing NOT to use douche or feminine hygiene products containing perfumes
    • Avoiding bath oils

    What Are Potential Side Effects Of Antibiotics For Uti

    What are some common antibiotics used to treat UTIs?

    In addition to the notable side effects weve already covered, there are a few more potential antibiotic side effects youll want to know about.

    Most antibiotics can cause some degree of stomach upset like nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. If you have severe diarrhea or diarrhea that lasts for 2 or more days, let your healthcare provider know. Diarrhea is a common side effect while taking antibiotics and just after finishing them. But in some cases, diarrhea from antibiotics can be a sign of a more serious infection caused by Clostridium difficile bacteria.

    Some people are also sensitive to antibiotics, which could result in a minor reaction like a rash or a more serious reaction like anaphylaxis. If you notice difficulty breathing or major skin changes after taking an antibiotic, get medical help right away.

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    Drink Plenty Of Water

    Although urinating can be painful when you have a UTI, its important to drink as many fluids as possible, particularly water. Most adults should aim to drink between six and eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day.

    The more you drink, the more youll urinate. Urinating helps flush harmful bacteria from the urinary tract.

    Why Should I Take The Full Dose

    Antibiotics work well against UTIs. You might start to feel better after being on the medicine for just a few days.

    But even so, keep taking your medicine. If you stop your antibiotics too soon, you wonât kill all the bacteria in your urinary tract.

    These germs can become resistant to antibiotics. That means the meds will no longer kill these bugs in the future. So if you get another UTI, the medication you take might not treat it. Take the full course of your medicine to make sure all the bacteria are dead.

    Recommended Reading: Bladder Infection Without Painful Urination

    How Are Urinary Tract Infections Diagnosed

    Your doctor will use the following tests to diagnose a urinary tract infection:

    • Urinalysis: This test will examine the urine for red blood cells, white blood cells and bacteria. The number of white and red blood cells found in your urine can actually indicate an infection.
    • Urine culture: A urine culture is used to determine the type of bacteria in your urine. This is an important test because it helps determine the appropriate treatment.

    If your infection does not respond to treatment or if you keep getting infections over and over again, your doctor may use the following tests to examine your urinary tract for disease or injury:

    • Ultrasound: In this test, sound waves create an image of the internal organs. This test is done on top of your skin, is painless and doesnt typically need any preparation.
    • Cystoscopy: This test uses a special instrument fitted with a lens and a light source to see inside the bladder from the urethra.
    • CT scan: Another imaging test, a CT scan is a type of X-ray that takes cross sections of the body . This test is much more precise than typical X-rays.

    Antibiotics For Acute And Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections

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    First-line treatment for an uncomplicated UTI may start with a single dose of fosfomycin or nitrofurantoin twice per day for five days, or sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim twice per day for three days. These medications can be started based on your symptoms and urinalysis results, and should be effective in most cases.

    Although much less common, men may also get this type of UTI. The choice of antibiotics is the same, but they may be given for a longer time because bacteria may move into the prostate gland and take longer to treat.

    When doctors diagnose an uncomplicated UTI, they are usually diagnosing a type of UTI called cystitis, which means a bladder infection. In fact, the terms UTI, cystitis and bladder infection are often used interchangeably. Acute uncomplicated cystitis is another medical term for a common UTI that has not spread or become severe.

    The term uncomplicated refers to a simple UTI found in a generally healthy adult who:

    • Is not pregnant or postmenopausal
    • Is not immunocompromised
    • Has no structural abnormalities in the urinary tract
    • Has no other diseases

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