Bladder infections are common, painful infections of the urinary tract and are also known as urinary tract infections (UTIs). Bladder infections develop when bacteria travel up the urethra to the bladder. Because women have shorter urethras than men, bacteria travel more easily up to women's bladders. One in five women has at least one urinary tract infection in her lifetime, notes the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Bladder infections are treated with antibiotics; the pain from the infection is treated with medications that decrease spasms and numb the bladder.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are the treatment mainstay for bladder infections. Because so many bacteria have developed resistance to antibiotics, different antibiotics may need to be tried. For uncomplicated infections, a three-day course of antibiotics cures 94 percent of cases, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports. The type of antibiotic used depends on the cause of infection, if known. UTIs caused by mycoplasma or chlamydia are best treated with doxycycline or tetracycline, unless the person is pregnant. Bactrim, a sulfa drug, is often used to treat uncomplicated UTIs, but many people are allergic to sulfa drugs. Cipro, a quinolone drug, is used to treat people allergic to sulfa, but it should not be taken by pregnant women. Nitrofurantoin is also used, but it needs to be taken for seven to 10 days.
Urinary Analgesics
UTIs can be painful. Until an antibiotic starts to clear the infection, a medication to numb the bladder and decrease discomfort may be given. Phenazopyridine hydrochloride (Pyridium) is commonly used as a bladder analgesic. This drug turns urine bright orange and can stain clothing and contact lenses, which should not be worn while taking the medication, says Drugs.com. Pyridium should not be taken for longer than two days.
Antispasmodic Medications
Bladder infections can cause painful bladder spasms. In severe cases, antispasmodic medications, such as methenamine or flavoxate, may be given, but these drugs have serious side effects and should not be used lightly, the University of Maryland Medical Center states.
