Every year, approximately 8 to 10 million Americans get a urinary tract infection, or UTI, a painful condition that occurs when bacteria enter and reproduce in the urinary tract: the urethra, kidneys, and ureter. Left untreated, a UTI may travel from the bladder up to the kidneys, causing lasting damage and even death. There are different types of bacteria that causes UTIs, requiring different medications to treat them. Over the years, more bacteria have become resistant to standard treatments. Stronger medications have been approved to address the resistant bacteria.
Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole
Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole, commonly called Septra or Bactrim, are often used for three days to resolve UTIs, with no indicated benefit to increasing the length of treatment. People with allergies to sulfa products should avoid this drug family, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center website.
Fluoroquinolones
Fluoroquinolones such as Floxacin, Levaquin, and Cipro offer choices to Septra or Bactrim. The most common negative side effects include nausea, vomiting and allergic skin rash. This family of drugs may not be taken by pregnant women and can have harsh side effects in children.
Tetracycline
Tetracycline, the antibiotic best known for treating acne, is also used to treat UTIs caused by chlamydia. Due to the nature of the infection, it is generally indicated for a long period of time. Tetracycline may reduce birth control effectiveness and may cause a sensitivity to light, burning in the throat, tooth discoloration and slow growth in children.
Nitrofurantoin
Nitrofurantoin, or Macrobid, is used for treating UTIs from bacteria such as staphylococcus saprophyticus or streptococcus agalactiae. It is not used for kidney infections. Side effects of Macrobid are stomach cramps, flu-like symptoms, dizziness, drowsiness and renal impairment. The drug is routinely used for 7-to-10 days.
Aminoglycosides
Aminoglycosides such as Tobramycin and Gentamicin are administered through injections in addition to other antibiotics for the most serious bacterial infections. Side effects may include hearing loss, kidney damage and a reduced sense of balance.
Monurol
Monurol, or Fosfomycin, is approved for treating pregnant women. It is given as a one-time dose. Possible side effects include changes in vision, yellowing of the eyes and flu-like symptoms.
Pain Relievers
Pyridium is a popular pain reliever prescribed to alleviate such UTI symptoms as fever, painful urination and back pain. While it may make the UTI symptoms more tolerable, it must be taken with antibiotics that treat the UTI itself. When bacteria are resistant to the prescribed antibiotic, the use of pain-relievers such as Pyridium may mask the signs that the UTI is not responding to treatment.
