Urinary tract infection (UTI) can be caused by many different organisms, and some of these germs are drug-resistant. For that reason, the Mayo Clinic website lists numerous possible medications for a UTI. Some doctors prescribe one antibiotic, but then change to another if it's not working. Doctors also consider special circumstances, such as pregnancy, when deciding on a UTI medication.
Penicillins
Penicillins such as amoxicillin were the standard treatment for UTI until a few years ago, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The common germs that cause UTI have become resistant to these drugs in many cases. Amoxicillin is still used, but often in combination with clavulanate, in a drug called Augmentin. The combination is effective against many of the organisms that cause UTI.
Cephalosporins
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, cephalosporins, such as Keflex, are alternative treatments that are used in infections that do not respond well to standard treatments.
Bactrim
Bactrim, also known by the generic names trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, or TMP-SMX, is listed by the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC) as a drug that can treat UTI. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the typical course of treatment is three days, but there is a less effective one-day treatment with a lowered risk for side effects. Bactrim should not be used in patients who are allergic to sulfa drugs.
Quinolones
Quinolones are a class of four antibiotics, including Cipro, which according to the NKUDIC have been approved for treating UTI. These drugs are not to be used by pregnant women and young children.
Nitrofurantoin
The University of Maryland Medical Center lists nitrofurantoin as an alternative drug for UTI. This drug is usually taken for seven to 10 days, and it cannot be used in infections that have spread to the kidney. The drug can also cause upset stomach and should not be used by pregnant women or nursing mothers.
Fosfomycin
One UTI drug that has been approved for use by pregnant women is fosfomycin, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This drug can be taken in a single dose in order to minimize any side effects.
Doripenem
The University of Maryland Medical Center states that the antibiotic doripenem was approved in 2007 for the treatment of complicated urinary tract infections. The drug is more powerful than most other antibiotics and is given by injection.
