Urology Specialties, Conditions, Treatments & Technology

Medications

Medications

A mild urinary tract infection may go away on its own without treatment. However, antibiotics are usually recommended because there is a risk that the infection can spread to the kidneys. Antibiotics are taken by mouth, usually from 3 to 7 days. It is important that you finish all the medication.

Commonly used antibiotics include:

  • Amoxicillin or Augmentin
  • Cephalosporins
  • Doxycycline (should not be used under age 8)
  • Nitrofurantoin
  • Sulfa drugs (sulfonamides)
  • Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole
  • Quinolones (should not be used in children)

Your doctor may also recommend drugs to relieve the burning pain and urgent need to urinate, and to decrease bacteria in your urine.

Such medicines include:

  • Acidifying medications such as ascorbic acid to lower the concentration of bacteria in the urine
  • Phenazopyridine hydrochloride (Pyridium) to reduce urgency and burning with urination

 

 

Associated Conditions: