Table of Contents
Medications
Although antibiotics are the first treatment choice for urinary tract infections, antibiotic-resistant strains of E. coli, the most common cause of UTIs, are increasing worldwide. As more bacteria have become resistant to the standard UTI treatment trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), more doctors have prescribed quinolone antibiotics to treat UTIs. In some areas, quinolones have now overtaken TMP-SMX as the most commonly prescribed antibiotic for UTIs. Researchers are concerned that resistance may develop to these drugs as well.
The following are some of the antibiotic classes used most commonly to treat UTIs:
Beta-Lactams
The beta-lactam antibiotics share common chemical features and include penicillins, cephalosporins, and some newer similar drugs.
Penicillins (Amoxicillin). Until recent years, the standard treatment for a UTI was 10 days of amoxicillin, a penicillin antibiotic, but it is now ineffective against E. coli bacteria in up to 25% of cases. A combination of amoxicillin-clavulanate (Augmentin) is sometimes given for drug-resistant infections. Amoxicillin or Augmentin may be useful for UTIs caused by Gram-positive organisms, including Enterococcus species and S. saprophyticus.
Cephalosporins. Antibiotics known as cephalosporins are alternatives for infections that do not respond to standard treatments or for special populations. They are often classed as first, second, or third generation. Cephalosporins used for treatment of UTIs include cephalexin (Keflex), cefadroxil (Duricef) cefuroxime (Ceftin),loracarbef (Lorabid), and cefixime (Suprax, among others.
Other Beta-Lactam Drugs. Other beta-lactam antibiotics have been developed. For example, pivmecillinam (a form of mecillinam), is commonly used in Europe for UTIs.
Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX)
Review Date: 06/17/2010
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine,
Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital.
Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M.,
Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
