Urinary tract infections account for more than 8.3 annual doctor visits, according to the National Kidney and Urologic Disease Information Clearinghouse. More common in females, urinary tract infections cause considerable discomfort involving pelvic pain and other symptoms. The urinary tract refers to the kidney, bladder, and connecting tubes called urethra and ureters. When bacteria infect the normally sterile urinary system, immediate antibiotic treatment is needed.
Tetracyclines
Tetracyclines describes a class of drugs that work by blocking protein production in bacteria. These drugs do not kill the bacteria; however, they do slow them down. This gives the body's immune system time to get rid of unwanted organisms. Tetracyclines fight against bacteria called gram positive and gram negative organisms. This refers to how the bacteria wall looks under a microscope. Some examples of those organisms in which tetracyclines prove most effective include E. coli and streptococcus pyogenes, bacteria commonly implicated in urinary tract infections. Tetracyclines should not be used during pregnancy or in children during tooth bearing age. Tooth and bone staining may occur. Those with allergies should be monitored as tetracyclines can set off allergic reactions in those with sensitivity. Nausea, vomiting, sore throat, anemia, dizziness and headaches are known side effects. Examples of tetracyclines are doxycycline and demeclocycline.
Sulfonamides
Sulfonamides, another class of antibiotics, prevent a metabolite called para-aminobenzoic acid. Bacteria need para-aminobenzoic acid to create the nutrient, folate necessary to produce new bacteria. Like tetracyclines, sulfonamides do not kill existing bacteria, they merely stop reproduction of new bacteria. Sulfonamides show effectiveness against staphylococcal strains, haemophilus influenzae, nocardia and chlamydia trachomatis and streptococcus pyogenes which causes urinary tract infections. Drugs in this class used for urinary tract infections include sulfamethizole, sulfisoxazole and sulfamethoxazole. Bacteria often develop resistance to this class of drugs, making them useful only for specific situations like urinary tract infections. Side effects of sulfonamides include sensitivity, inflammation of the tongue, stomatitis, proctitis, nausea, diarrhea, and dermatitis, according to DailyMed.
Dihydrofolate Reductase Inhibitors (Folate Antagonists)
Trimethoprim belongs to a group of drugs called dihydrofolate reductase inhibitors. These drugs interfere directly with the production of folate. As previously mentioned, bacteria need folate to reproduce; therefore, trimethoprim works similarly to tetracycline and sulfonamides aiding the immune system, allowing it time to work. E.coli and other gram negative organisms show susceptibility to this drug. Trimethroprim is most often in combination with other drugs. Known side effects include rash, pruritus, nausea and vomiting. Patients with folate deficiency should avoid these drugs.
Combination Drugs
In some cases, two drugs are better than one. Two different approaches to eradicate the bacteria simultaneously, make bacteria more vulnerable. Some bacteria have the ability to change how they reproduce, referred to as resistance. Bacterial resistance is less likely with two different mechanisms. The fixed combination dose trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra) remains first-line therapy for simple urinary tract infections. These drugs carry similar side effect profiles as the aforementioned classes of antibiotics.
