The bladder is part of the urinary tract and, upon infection, can cause symptoms including a strong, persistent urge to urinate, burning during urination and passing frequent, small amounts of urine, according to MayoClinic.com. Pelvic pressure, lower abdomen discomfort and, in some cases, urine odor often indicate a bladder infection, which is a serious health risk. To ward off the bacteria--usually E. coli--that cause this infection, physicians generally prescribe antibiotics, which are necessary to prevent further infection of the kidneys. Individuals afflicted with a bladder infection or who suspect this condition should immediately contact a health care professional for treatment.
Penicillin
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, beta-lactams are usually the first line of defense when fighting a bladder infection. This group of antibiotics includes pencillins. Amoxicillin, for example, is usually the standard prescription given by doctors for approximately 10 days or more, depending on the severity of the infection. Widespread use of this antibiotic, however, has made E. coli somewhat resistant to the bacteria, leading to the use of a combination drug of amoxicillin-clavulanate. Generally, physicians will begin with a regimen of amoxicillin before prescribing the combination to prevent further resistant strains.
Cephalosporins
Also part of the beta-lactams antibiotic group, physicians prescribe cephalosporins when standard bladder infection methods are ineffective, particularly amoxicillin-resistant bacteria, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. In some cases, cephalosporins can be combined with other antibiotics to treat stubborn infections, Drugs.com says. Like all antibiotics, it is extremely important for patients to finish the full prescription set forth by a physician to prevent bacteria-resistant strands from developing.
Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazol
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazol, or TMP-SMX, is a combination drug with a typical treatment course of three days, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The sulfamethoxazole actively prevents the growth of bacteria in the body, which also includes bacteria other than those causing the infection, Drugs.com says. In some instances, a one-day course is available. While it is much less effective, a one-day course also poses a lower risk for associated side effects such as hives, rash, nausea and vomiting.
