An uncomfortable pain gnawing at your flank region and a burning sensation while urinating can signal the unfortunate onset of a urinary tract infection (UTI). A UTI can also lead to dribbling of urine and even blood in the urine (hematuria). These manifestations occur when bacteria seeps into the urinary tract. Various medications can treat a UTI.
Nitrofurantoin
Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic medication utilized to prevent and treat UTIs. It does this by actually destroying the bacteria.
Drugs.com says that nitrofurantoin's side effects include stomach problems, vomiting, constipation, blurry vision, vaginal discharge, a headache, and red or brown-colored urine. Bloating, blurry vision, vomiting, fever, chills and confusion are nitrofurantoin's other side effects. This drug's serious effects include ringing in the ears, chest pain and shortness of breath.
Nitrofurantoin is taken as a liquid or tablet. Dosage and strength are determined by this drug's strength and the severity of the UTI.
Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin, like nitrofurantoin, is an antibiotic medication geared toward destroying bacteria. DailyMed says that amoxicillin can treat ear, nose or throat infections, skin or lower respiratory tract infections.
Amoxicillin's side effects include nausea, vomiting, anxiety, agitation, confusion, a rash, yellowing of the skin, dizziness and convulsions. Also, this drug can lead to episodes of watery and even bloody diarrhea, which, in turn, can lead to severe dehydration and lowered potassium levels. This medical manifestation is known as pseudomembranous colitis. When this happens, physicians typically discontinue amoxicillin treatment and prescribe metronidazole to attack Clostridium difficile (the bacteria that causes severe diarrhea).
Amoxicillin is given as a capsule daily for as long as a physician prescribes.
Levofloxacin
Levofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that, like amoxicillin and nitrofurantoin, works to eliminate UTIs. It also treats pneumonia, prostate, sinus and skin infections. Levofloxacin can treat endocarditis, inflammation of the inner lining of the heart. Interestingly, it also treats anthrax, a potentially deadly substance that can be utilized in chemical warfare.
Levofloxacin's side effects include vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, a headache and heartburn. This drug can also provoke trouble breathing or swallowing, a poor appetite, lack of energy, dark urine, hives, anxiety, nervousness and restlessness. Chest pain, joint or muscle pain, dark urine, seizures, depression, hallucinations, a fast or pounding heartbeat, hoarseness and tremors are additional side effects of levofloxacin, according to MedlinePlus.
In some instances, levofloxacin can lead to tendinitis (an inflammation of the tendon that connects bone to tissue) and even tendon rupture. Pain, swelling, stiffness and problems moving are some of the manifestations of tendon problems.
Levofloxacin is a liquid or tablet taken with or without food for the duration of time a physician indicates.
