Some bladder infections are mild infections with no complications. Sometimes, bladder infections can become recurring problems for women, and in some cases, complications can increase the risk of other health problems, notes MedlinePlus. A doctor will determine the type of bladder infection and whether any complicating conditions exist before she decides on a treatment plan. In all cases, people with bladder infections should drink a lot of water during their treatment, and the Merck Manual suggests that drinking fluids may play a role in preventing bladder infections in the first place, since urine flushes out bacteria from the bladder.
Oral Antibiotics for Mild Infections
Doctors prescribe a course of oral antibiotics for mild bladder infections. Women take the drugs for three days, while men take them for seven to 14 days, notes MedlinePlus. When selecting an antibiotic, doctors take into account the patient's overall health and the type of bacteria causing the infection. Some of the antibiotics used to treat bladder infections include amoxicillin, nitrofurantoin, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, ciprofloxacin, ampicillin and levofloxacin.
Doctors prescribe longer courses of antibiotics for pregnant women and people with other complications such as diabetes. In all cases, even if symptoms disappear before the end of treatment, people should finish their course of antibiotics to avoid infections that may prove more difficult to treat.
Drugs to Relieve Symptoms
Doctors may recommend taking acetaminophen to relieve any fever that might accompany a bladder infection, notes PDR Health, a consumer health information website from the publishers of "The Physician's Desk Reference." Acetaminophen can also provide relief from pain symptoms. A doctor can prescribe a drug called phenazopyridine to relieve some of the burning, pain and frequent urge to urinate. Other treatment options include drugs such as tolterodine and oxybutynin, which can help to reduce bladder spasms. People should always continue taking their antibiotics along with the medications to treat symptoms.
Antibiotics for Recurring Infections
A woman might experience a series of recurring bladder infections. If she has had three urinary tract infections, she is likely to have even more in the future, notes the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Treatment options include taking an antibiotic after sexual activity, or taking one low-dose antibiotic per day as a preventive measure.
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Estrogen
Doctors may suggest a course of estrogen therapy for some postmenopausal women as a means of reducing the risk of future infections.
Intravenous Antibiotics
Some serious cases of urinary tract infection could require hospitalization. Treatment of serious cases might include a course of antibiotics administered intravenously in the hospital setting.
