The kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra make up the urinary tract. An infection starts when tiny organisms enter the urethra and begin to multiply. According to the National Institutes of Health, urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are the second most common infection people have, accounting for about 8.3 million doctor visits annually. Women are more prone to UTIs than men, though UTIs may be serious in men when they do occur.
Treatment of Simple Infections
Urinary tract infections are treated with antibacterial drugs. Your history and the urine tests your doctor does to identify the specific bacterial cause will determine the particular drug he selects. The most common drugs used for uncomplicated UTIs, include trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, such as Trimpex, Bactrim and Septra for example, or are related to penicillin, such as amoxicillin. Other commonly used drugs are Furadantin, or an ampicillin, such as Omnipen or Polycillin. Trimpex and Proloprim may interfere with the effectiveness of oral contraceptives, so additional precautions should be taken during treatment.
Treatment of Drug Resistant Bacteria
The most common cause of UTIs is E. coli bacteria, which normally lives in the colon. Women are at higher risk because of the female anatomy. For infections caused by bacteria resistant to the commonly used drugs, doctors are using drugs such as Floxacin, Cipro, Noroxin and Levaquin. In locations where drug-resistant strains of E. coli are common, these drugs may become the drug of choice. The University of Maryland cautions that these drugs should not be taken by pregnant women and should be used cautiously with children.
Treatment of Recurring Infections
Women who have three or more UTIs in a year are likely to continue having them. There are several options your doctor may choose for treatment of recurring infections. NIH research has shown that a low dose of antibiotics such as Bactrim taken over a longer period of time can be effective without causing serious side effects. Another option is taking a short course--one or two days--of antibiotics when your symptoms first appear.
Treatment of Severe Infections
UTIs that reach the kidneys are considered serious. Left untreated they can cause permanent damage. The Mayo Clinic indicates that young children have an increased risk for kidney infections. Severe infections may result in hospitalization and the use of intravenous antibiotics and/or a longer period of treatment with a drug like Bactrim, Cotrim or Septra.
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Organisms that may be transmitted sexually and cause UTIs generally remain in the urethra and reproductive system, according to the NIH. They require treatment of both partners. Chlamydia and mycoplasma are usually treated with tetracycline, TMP/SMZ or doxycycline. It is important to take the full treatment, because symptoms may clear up before the infection is completely gone.
