The most commonly used medications to treat a urinary tract infection are antibiotics, which will help eliminate bacteria from the urinary system.
In addition, the doctor may also recommend antiseptic, antispasmodic, natural remedies and pain relievers to relieve discomfort such as abdominal pain and burning and burning when urinating.
- Antibiotics
Usually, the doctor prescribes antibiotics to eliminate bacteria present in the urinary tract, the dosage of which may vary from person to person, depending on the severity of the infection and weight. Some examples of antibiotics most prescribed to treat urinary tract infection are:
- Nitrofurantoin , commercially known as Macrodantin . Generally, the recommended dose for adults is 100 mg every 6 hours for 7 to 10 days. Know the contraindications and side effects of this medication ;
- Phosphomycin , commercially known as Monuril, in which the recommended dose is 1 sachet of 3g in a single dose or every 24 hours, for 2 days. See how to take this remedy correctly ;
- Sulfamethoxazole + trimethoprim, commercially known as Bactrim , Bactrim Forte , Bactropin or Trimexazole , whose doses can be consulted in the drug leaflets. The duration of treatment must be established by the doctor;
- Ciprofloxacin , commercially known as Ciflox , for example, whose dosage depends on the severity of the urinary tract infection, ranging from 250 to 500 mg per day. Learn more about ciprofloxacin dosage, contraindications, and side effects ;
- Levofloxacin , commercially known as Tamiram , whose recommended dosage is 1 tablet of 500 mg every 24 hours;
- Cephalexin , commercially known as Keforal , whose dose may vary depending on the severity of the infection, the dosage being generally recommended at 500 mg every 12 hours.
Also, in some cases, the doctor may recommend giving an injection of ceftriaxone, commercially known as Ceftriax .
It is important that the doses are respected, as well as the duration of treatment. Even if symptoms improve sooner, the antibiotic should be taken for as long as your doctor recommends.
- Remedies to relieve discomfort
The doctor may also prescribe medications that relieve symptoms of a urinary tract infection, such as pain and burning when urinating, abdominal pain and a feeling of heaviness in the bottom of the belly.
The remedies that can be used to alleviate these symptoms are antispasmodics, such as scopolamine, commercially known as Hyoscine or Buscopan , flavoxate and hyoscyamine. These drugs can also be marketed associated with other active substances, such as the Buscopan compound , which in addition to scopolamine, also has dipyrone in its composition, or associated with each other, as is the case with Tropinal , which combines substances such as scopolamine. and hyoscyamine.
In addition, phenazopyridine, commercially known as Urovit or Pyridium , also relieves the pain and burning characteristic of urinary infections, as it is an analgesic that acts on the urinary tract.
- Herbal medicines
Herbal medicines are a good option to complement the treatment prescribed by the doctor, as it helps in the treatment and helps to prevent relapses.
Generally, supplements with cranberry extract are used, which acts by preventing the adhesion of bacteria to the urinary tract, facilitating their elimination.
- Vaccines
There is an oral vaccine, called Uro-Vaxom , which can be used to prevent recurrent urinary infections or as a complement to treatment, as it stimulates the body’s defenses against the E. coli bacteria .
Learn how to take Uro-Vaxom and what are the most common side effects .
Any of these medications should only be taken if recommended by your doctor. Special care should also be taken in children, as some of these drugs are contraindicated in this age group and some of the dosages and pharmaceutical forms may be different from those for adults.
In addition, pregnant women should avoid taking medication as much as possible and should only undergo treatment after consulting the obstetrician. The antibiotics for urinary tract infection that are considered the safest to take during pregnancy are cephalosporins and ampicillin.
