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Nitrofurantoin. Nitrofurantoin (Furadantin, Macrodantin) is an antibiotic that is used specifically for urinary tract infections as an alternative to TMP-SMX or a quinolone. Unlike many of the other drugs, however, it is usually taken for 7 - 10 days, even in cases of simple cystitis. It is not useful for treating kidney infections. Nitrofurantoin frequently causes stomach upset and interacts with many drugs. Other chronic or serious medical conditions may also affect its use. It should not be used in pregnant women within 1 - 2 weeks of delivery, in nursing mothers, or in those with kidney disease.
Fosfomycin. The antibiotic fosfomycin (Monurol) may be prescribed as a 1-dose treatment for women who are pregnant.
Doripenem. Doripenem (Doribax) is a newer carbapenem antibiotic, which is used to treat complicated urinary tract infections. It is given by injection.
Medications for Treating Symptoms
Although antibiotics can cure most urinary tract infections, severe symptoms can persist for several days until the drug eliminates the bacteria. Other medications may be used for relieving symptoms until the antibiotics take action.
Phenazopyridine. Phenazopyridine (such as Pyridium, Uristat, Barodium, Eridium, and AZO Standard) relieves pain and burning caused by the infection. Patients should not take this medicine for more than 2 days.
Side effects include headache and upset stomach. The drug turns urine a red or orange color, which can stain fabric and be difficult to remove. Rarely, it can cause serious side effects, including shortness of breath, a bluish skin, a sudden reduction in urine output, shortness of breath, and confusion. In such cases, patients should immediately call the doctor.
Antispasm Drugs. Methenamine (such as Atrosept, Prosed, and Urised) or flavoxate (Urispas) reduce bladder spasms, which may occur with some UTIs. These drugs can have severe side effects, however, that the patient should discuss with the doctor.
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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)
