MayoClinic describes a urinary tract infection, or UTI, as an infection of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Any of these structures can become infected, but the urethra and bladder are most commonly affected. Treatment typically consists of antibiotic drugs, but urine testing will be done to see what kinds of bacteria are causing the infection, and medication is prescribed accordingly.
Beta-Lactam Antibiotics
Beta-lactam antibiotics are commonly used to treat UTIs, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This group of drugs includes penicillins, such as the drug amoxicillin; cephalosporins, such as cephalexin and cefuroxime; and other drugs. Amoxicillin used to be the standard of care for UTIs, but many UTIs are caused by E. coli that are resistant amoxicillin, so a combination drug called amoxicillin-clavulunate--sold under the brand name Augmentin--is given in these cases. Cephalosporin drugs are typically used in UTIs that do not respond to penicillins, and are further grouped into first, second, and third generation drugs.
Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxole
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxole, or TMP-SMX, is typically given in a three-day course and is a combination drug. Some brand names for this drug include Bactrim, Cotrim or Septra. The University of Maryland Medical Center says that a one-day course is available, but is not as effective as the standard three-day treatment. Individuals who are allergic to sulfa drugs should not take this medication. Alternatively, they can take only the trimethoprim part, a drug known as Proloprim or Trimpex. Many bacteria are resistant to TMP-SMX.
Quinolones or Fluoroquinolones
Fluoroquinolones, or quinolones, have also been used to treat UTIs, says the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Drugs in this category include ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin and trovafloxin. These drugs are generally not prescribed to pregnant women and are not a first-line treatment for children with UTIs.
Tetracyclines
Tetracyclines are another group of antibiotics that may be used to treat UTIs. This group includes drugs like doxycycline, tetracycline and minocycline. This class of drugs has unique side effects like sensitivity to sunlight and tooth discoloration, and these drugs are not prescribed for children or pregnant women, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Nitrofurantoin
Nitrofurantoin is the generic name for the brand name drugs Furadantin and Macrodantin, and is typically used as a replacement for TMP-SMX or one of the quinolones when treating UTIs, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This drug is taken for a longer period than other drugs: seven to 10 days. Pregnant women, women who have just given birth, women who are nursing, and individuals with kidney problems should not take this drug.
