Cystitis is the term for inflammation of the bladder most often caused by a bacterial infection. During a cystitis infection, people will likely experience a strong urge to urinate, a burning sensation while urinating, blood in the urine, pain, passing cloudy or foul smelling urine, lower abdominal pain and feelings of pressure in the lower abdomen. In some cases, patients will have a mild fever. Physicians will most commonly choose antibiotics to treat the infection.
Amoxicillin
Physicians commonly prescribe amoxicillin to treat cystitis as well as bacterial infections that commonly occur in the ears, nose, urinary tract, throat and skin. Amoxicillin works by stopping that growth of the bacteria, according to the National Institutes of Health. Amoxicillin comes as a capsule, tablet, a chewable tablet, liquid and pediatric drops. Patients may take amoxicillin with or without food. Patients should discuss any medication allergies with their physicians and alert them to any over-the-counter medications or herbal supplements they take to avoid a adverse reaction to the medication. Side effects of amoxicillin include upset stomach, vomiting and diarrhea.
Sulfonamides
Physicians prescribe sulfonamide antibiotics most commonly for urinary tract infections and cystitis. According to the website Drugs.com, allergic reactions may include a skin rash, severe nausea and vomiting as well as an anaphylactic reaction such as swelling of the lips and throat. Patients should alert physicians to any allergies they have prior to taking any sulfonamides. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not take sulfonamides, as it can cross into the placenta or breast milk. Side effects of sulfonamides include painful or swollen tongue, dizziness or a spinning sensation, ringing in the ears, joint pain and sleep problems.
Nitrofurantoin
Physicians often choose the antibiotic nitrofurantoin for cystitis patients who suffer from a sulfa drug allergy. Nitrofurantoin works by killing the bacteria as well as preventing its growth. Physicians often prescribe nitrofurantoin for women suffering urinary tract infections or cystitis during pregnancy. Nitrofurantoin comes in a capsule that patients take once or twice a day with food or milk. The MayoClinic.com warns that side effects of nitrofurantoin include changes in facial skin color, chest pain, chills, cough, fever, hives, hoarseness, itching, shortness of breath, joint or muscle pain, skin rash, sudden trouble swallowing or breathing, swelling of the face, mouth, hands or feet.
