Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are a common cause of doctor visits in children and adults alike. Nearly 10% of preschool girls have experienced a UTI, according to KidsHealth.org, and a study published in the November 2000 issue of the Annals of Epidemiology estimated that over 11 million women experience at least one UTI each year. Most UTIs are uncomplicated and cause symptoms of pain with urination, urgency sensations and general achiness or fever. Because UTIs are caused by bacteria, antibiotics are the standard treatment option.
Usual Antibiotic Treatment
Antibiotic treatment for UTI is usually aimed at killing E. Coli (most often in children) and other gram-negative bacteria (e.g., Klebsiella), and uncomplicated infections are typically limited to the bladder, rather than the kidneys. Older antibiotics, like Bactrim (trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole) and penicillins, may be effective antibiotic treatments; in the early 21st century, these drugs have mainly been replaced by quinolone antibiotics, such as Cipro and Levaquin, that attack gram-negative bacteria differently, as bacteria have developed resistance to the older antibiotic options.
Safe Pregnancy Treatments
Up to 8% of pregnant women may experience a UTI, but not all antibiotics are safe to use during pregnancy. Penicillins, such as amoxicillin and ampicillin, are safe in pregnant women, but these drugs may not be effective against drug-resistant bacteria. Macrodantin (nitrofurantoin) is an antibiotic that is effective against UTI-causing bacteria and is safe during the first two trimesters of pregnancy. Although blood disorder side effects are possible in the fetus during the third trimester, Macrodantin may be safely used during some of this time as well with careful supervision by a physician.
Phenazopyridine
Phenazopyridine, marketed over the counter as Azo and similar products, is a pain relief medication. Although phenazopyridine cannot kill bacteria, it does decrease the pain and burning associated with urination, because it works directly on the lining of the bladder. A 200-mg pill can be taken up to 3 times daily to provide relief of UTI symptoms.
References
- Drugs.com: Complete Phenazopyridine Hydrochloride Information
- Urinary Tract Infections During Pregnancy. Delzell JE, LeFevre ML. Am Fam Physician 2000;61:713-21
- KidsHealth.org: Parent Info: Urinary Tract Infections
- "Annals of Epidemiology:" Urinary Tract Infection: Self-Reported Incidence and Associated Cost.; Foxman B, Barlow R, D'Arcy H, Gillespie B. November 2000.
