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Description: Do you or
someone you know is having a urinary
tract infection and you want to learn about the different UTI treatments available? Read this
guide.
Urinary
tract infection, as the
name shows, is the infection of the urethra, urinary bladder, ureter and
kidneys.
Symptoms of urinary tract infection include cloudy urine, frequent urination,
pain and burning with peeing, fever, or pain in the back.
The UTI
treatment options generally include oral analgesics, antibiotics or
cranberry products. However, antibiotic choice differs with age and gender.
Here, we will explore the National Institute for Health Care and Excellence (NICE) guidelines to treat urinary tract infections.
UTI Treatment For Non-pregnant Women
For women who are not pregnant and have a
urinary tract infection (UTI), here's what to do:
If you have signs of a more severe infection
like fever or a complicated UTI (fever, chills, side pain):
- Take
tablet Nitrofurantoin (Aratoin®) 100 mg two times a day for three days. If a 100 mg
tablet is not available, take 50 mg four times a day.
- Take
tablet Trimethoprim (Trimpex®)
200 mg two times a day.
- Take
the above doses for three days.
If
your symptoms don't improve after 48 hours of taking the above medicines or if
the initial treatment is not suitable, here are the second options:
- If you haven't already taken nitrofurantoin (Aratoin®), take a 100
mg tablet two times a day.
- Take
tablet pivmecillinam (Selexid®)
400 mg first, then 200 mg three times a day for three days.
- Or you can take fosfomycin (Monuril®), which comes in a single dose sachet of 3
grams.
According to the NICE guidelines, the symptoms
of complicated UTI in pregnant women can be treated as follows:
First
choice:
- Take
Nitrofurantoin (Aratoin®)
100 mg two times a day for seven days.
Avoid near-term pregnancy due to the risk of
harm to the baby.
Second choices (if first
choice ineffective or unsuitable):
- Take
Amoxicillin (Respillin®)
500 mg three times a day for seven days.
- Take Cefalexin (Keflex®) 500 mg
two times a day for seven days.
Antibiotic options for males (above 16 years)
with urinary tract infection are as
follows:
- Trimethoprim
(Trimpex®): Take 200 mg
two times a day for seven days.
- Nitrofurantoin (Aratoin®): Take 100 mg modified-release two times a day
for seven days.
Precaution:
Nitrofurantoin isn't recommended for men with suspected prostate issues because
it might not reach therapeutic levels.
- For back and lower abdomen pain, you can take
oral analgesics like ibuprofen (Galprofen®) or paracetamol.
- Cranberry
products like fosfomycin can also reduce the episodes of urinary tract infection.
To prevent UTIs:
1. After using the toilet, wipe front to back.
2. Keep your private parts clean and dry.
3. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and
pee regularly.
4. Wash around the vagina with water before
and after sex.
5. Pee right after sex.
6. Change soiled diapers or pads promptly.
1. Avoid scented soap.
2. Don't hold your pee when you need to go.
3. Take your time when peeing to empty your
bladder fully.
4. Avoid tight synthetic underwear like nylon.
5. Limit alcohol intake to avoid irritating
your bladder.
6. Cut back on sugary foods and drinks to
prevent bacteria growth.
7. Use condoms, diaphragms, or caps with
spermicidal lube; try non-spermicidal lube or different contraception.
According to a survey by NICE, about 37% of British women above 16 years of
age complained of having a urinary tract
infection at least once, while 29% of them had more than one episode of
UTI.
Seo titles: urinary tract infection, UTI treatment
References
1. NICE guidelines. (2018). Urinary tract infection (lower): antimicrobial prescribing. National Institute for Health Care and Excellence.