Bladder inflammation caused by an infection, medically known as cystitis, is commonly caused by bacteria that enter the bladder through the urethra, the tube through which the urine is normally discharged. These bacterial infections of the bladder result in a frequent, urgent need to urinate; a burning sensation upon urination; cloudy urine which may contain blood; and pain felt at the back of the body. Bladder infections are treated essentially via the eradication of the infection through antibiotics and the use of drugs that relieve the uncomfortable symptoms.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics taken by mouth are the mainstay of treatment in bacterial bladder infections. The course of antibiotics is prescribed after the treating physician determines whether the bladder infection is associated with an infection of another part of the urinary tract as well. For a patient with a simple bladder infection, a three-day course will suffice in females, while males will usually require a seven- to 14-day course. Commonly used antibiotics include: fluoroquinolones, doxycycline, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. The symptoms start to improve 24 to 48 hours after the start of antibiotic treatment, but it is imperative that the patient continues the course for the required number of days.
Phenazopyridine
There are some drugs available for symptomatic treatment. These are drugs designed for relieving the symptoms but not removing the cause. One of the most common drugs used is phenazopyridine. Its mechanism of action involves reducing the inflammation and consequently reducing the pain experienced during emptying the bladder and the deep seated pain around the pubic bone. Phenazopyridine is generally taken by mouth three times a day. Its use may be complicated by upset stomach, headache, dizziness, yellowish discoloration of skin and eyes or a skin rash as indicated by Drugs.com. Phenazopyridine may also cause false positive results when diabetics test for sugar or ketones in urine. It is a prescription-only drug in the Unites States, but available over the counter in Canada.
Anti-Cholinergic Drugs
Some prescription anti-cholinergic drugs, like Tolterodine, improve the sense of urgency by helping the bladder relax and decreasing spasms. As pointed out by MedlinePlus, anti-cholinergics should be used with caution in elderly males because they may precipitate an episode of urinary retention. Some complications may occur as a result of these drugs that block the cholinergic receptors and thus prevent the effects of the parasympathetic nervous system. Among these side effects are dry eyes, dry mouth, constipation, difficulty urinating, blurred vision and drowsiness.
