The term bladder infection, also known as cystitis, is often synonymous with a urinary tract infection. The infections occur in both sexes and at all ages and are the most common bacterial infections seen in the hospital setting, according to MayoClinic.com. Bladder infections are more common in women because of their shorter urethras. A bladder infection can be painful and uncomfortable and can have serious consequences if it spreads to the kidneys.
Bactrim
Bactrim is the antibiotic that physicians use most frequently to treat bladder infections. It is an oral antibiotic that is a combination of two drugs, trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole. According to Drugs.com, a three-day course of Bactrim is adequate to treat a mild bladder infection. Because of its ease of use and effectiveness, Bactrim is usually the first line drug against bladder infections.
Quinolones
Quinolones are a class of antibiotic drugs that includes ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin. They are effective against many of the common bacteria that cause bladder infections, such as E. coli. According to the Massachusetts General Hospital Handbook of Internal Medicine, physicians should only use quinolones in complicated infections or infections with resistant bacteria. Quinolones are contraindicated in pregnant women and children.
Ceftriaxone
Ceftriaxone is an antibiotic in the cephalosporin drug class, which is similar to the penicillins. It is effective against many of the resistant bacterial species that can cause bladder infections. Physicians administer ceftriaxone intravenously. For that reason, it is rarely a first line drug for bladder infections.
Tobramycin
Tobramycin is an antibiotic drug that is effective against such bacteria as E. coli, staphilococcus and klebsiella. As those bacteria commonly cause bladder infections, tobramycin can be another option to treat those infections. Physicians administer tobramycin intravenously to patients in whom penicillin or cephalosporin medications are contraindicated due to allergies or bacterial resistance.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Urinary Tract Infections
- "Massachusetts General Hospital Handbook of Internal Medicine"; Marc Sabatine; 2004
- Drugs.com: Ceftriaxone
- Drugs.com: Bactrim
