A urinary tract infection refers to a bacterial infection that affects the kidneys, bladder, ureters and urethra. Some signs of a urinary tract infection include a burning pain while urinating and flank pain. Risk factors for a urinary tract infection include being female and having sexual intercourse after a period of abstinence, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Some common drugs are used to treat a urinary tract infection.
Sulfamethoxazole and Trimethoprim
Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, commonly sold as Bactrim or Septra, is an antibiotic medication that treats urinary tract infections, ear infections, bronchitis and pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. According to Drugs.com, some of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim's less serious side effects include dizziness, a painful or swollen tongue, trouble sleeping and ringing in the ears. Its serious side effects include shortness of breath, restlessness, bleeding, stomach pain and watery or blood diarrhea. Phone a doctor when sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim lead to these effects. Suffering from AIDS, folic acid deficiency and liver or kidney disease may require a decrease in sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim's dose. This medication is a liquid taken daily or as prescribed.
Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin, commonly sold as Amoxil or Trimox, is another antibiotic medication that treats such bacterial infections as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, gonorrhea, bronchitis and infections of the throat, ear, nose and skin. According to MedlinePlus, amoxicillin belongs to a class of drugs known as penicillin-like antibiotics. It eliminates bacteria within the body. Amoxicillin's less concerning side effects include vomiting, diarrhea and an upset stomach, according to MedlinePlus. Some of amoxicillin's serious side effects include yellowing of the skin or eyes, easy bleeding or bruising, hives, a severe skin rash and pale skin. Phone a doctor when amoxicillin leads to these effects. Taking such medications as probenecid, vitamins and herbal products may interact with amoxicillin. This medication is a capsule, liquid or tablet taken two or three times daily.
Cephalexin
Cephalexin, commonly sold as Keflex, Zartan or Biocef, belongs to a group of drugs known as cephalosporin antibiotics. It fights bacteria within the body. Cephalexin's less concerning side effects include dizziness, fatigue, vaginal discharge or itching, diarrhea and nausea, according to Drugs.com. Some of cephalexin's serious side effects include seizures, watery or bloody diarrhea, hallucinations, confusion and weakness. Phone a doctor when cephalexin leads to these effects. Suffering from stomach or intestinal disorders, diabetes and kidney or liver disease may require a decrease in cephalexin's dose. This medication is a liquid or tablet taken daily or as prescribed.
