Urinary tract infection refers to a type of infection that infiltrates the kidneys, bladder, urethra and ureters, the tubes that lead to the bladder. Specific urinary tract infection symptoms include a burning pain while urinating, a strong urge to urinate and dribbling small amounts of urine. Sometimes, the urine may smell strong or blood can be found in it. Medications for urinary tract infection can help clear up the condition.
Nitrofurantoin
Nitrofurantoin, commonly sold as Furadantin, is an antibiotic medication used to treat a urinary tract infection.
MedlinePlus, a website of the National Institutes of Health, says that nitrofurantoin's common side effects include vomiting, a poor appetite, an upset stomach and urine that turns yellow or brown in color. Contact a physician if nitrofurantoin's common effects persist for more than 6 to 7 days.
Nitrofurantoin's serious side effects include trouble breathing, muscle weakness, fatigue, chills, fever, a dry cough and excessive fatigue. Other serious effects include swelling of the lips or tongue and numbness or tingling of the toes or fingers. Contact a physician immediately if nitrofurantoin leads to these effects.
Nitrofurantoin may interact with such medications as benztropine, probenacid or trihexyphenidyl. This medication is available as a liquid or capsule that is taken three to four times times daily for about a week minimum.
Levofloxacin
Levofloxacin, commonly sold as Levaquin, is another antibiotic medication that is used to treat a urinary tract infection. Drugs.com says that levofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone that works to destroy bacteria within the body.
Levofloxacin's common side effects include diarrhea, vaginal itching, trouble sleeping, dizziness and a headache. Other common effects include muscle pain, itchy skin, depression, restlessness and nausea. Levofloxacin can also lead to vaginal discharge. Notify a physician if levofloxacin's common side effects last for more than 5 days.
Levofloxacin's serious effects include seizures, fainting, dizziness, bloody or watery diarrhea, a fever or a sore throat. This drug also leads to fainting, a fast heartbeat, hallucinations, strange thoughts or behaviors, decreased urination and burning or numbness in the hands or feet.
An change in levofloxacin's dose may be necessary when suffering from myasthenia gravis, seizures, epilepsy, low potassium levels and joint problems.
Levofloxacin can be taken intravenously (through the vein) or as a tablet. Typically, this is taken once daily for 5 days.
Ciprofloxacin
Ciprofloxacin is yet another antibiotic medication used to manage urinary tract infection. Drugs.com says that ciprofloxacin is also a fluoroquinolone that is used to attack the bacteria that causes urinary tract infection.
Ciprofloxacin's common side effects include nausea, vomiting, blurry vision, trouble sleeping, anxiousness and agitation. Other serious side effects include yellowing of the skin or eyes, watery or bloody diarrhea, a pounding heartbeat, easy bleeding or bruising and confusion. Ciprofloxacin can also lead to headache, soreness and pain or swelling of the joints. Call a physician if ciprofloxacin causes these effects.
A change in ciprofloxacin's dose may be necessary when having joint problems, seizures, epilepsy, kidney or liver disease or myasthenia gravis. Ciprofloxacin is taken as an extended-release tablet or as a liquid daily or as indicated.
