A variety of antibiotics are available for the treatment of urinary tract infections, with penicillin, Bactrim and norfloxacin being among them. The type of antibiotic prescribed depends upon the cause of the UTI and whether the body has become immune to its healing abilities.
Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin, also known as penicillin, was the first choice in treating urinary tract infections for many years, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Belonging to a class of antibiotics known as beta-lactams, amoxicillin used to be prescribed for a 10-day period up until the last few years, when it was discovered that it was ineffective for about 25 percent of patients whose infection stemmed from E. coli bacteria. Augmentin, a medication that is a combination of amoxicillin and clavulanate, is more effective against drug-resistant infections.
Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX)
TMP-SMX is a class of antibiotics that works effectively when prescribed as a three-day treatment. In some cases, a one-day treatment may be given to reduce the possible side effects, but this also decreases the drugs' effectiveness. The drugs in this class include Septra and Bactrim and should not be given to patients allergic to sulfa drugs.
Tetracyclines
Tetracyclines are generally prescribed for those whose infections are caused by the mycoplasma bacteria, or by the sexually transmitted disease chlamydia. Drugs in this class include tetracycline and doxycycline, and some of the more common side effects of these drugs include tooth discoloration and a burning in the throat. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that these antibiotics should not be given to children or pregnant women.
Fluoroquinolones (Quinolones)
Quinolones, another common type of antibiotic, are prescribed for UTIs as frequently as those that fall under the class of TMP-SMX. Drugs in this class include ofloxacin, norfloxacin and levofloxacin. The side effects of these drugs are slightly more severe, and therefore they are not recommended to treat UTIs in children or women who are pregnant. Examples of these side effects include abdominal cramping, dizziness and nausea.
