Antibiotics are the main way that UTIs are treated. They are usually taken as a pill. People who have a serious infection may be given them through an IV or as a shot.
Here are the basics about each of the medicines below. Only common problems with them are listed.
Prescription Medications
- Amoxicillin
- Cefaclor
- Cefuroxime
- Cefpodoxime
- Cefixime
- Cefepime
- Piperacillin tazobactam
- Ciprofloxacin
- Levofloxacin
- Norfloxacin
- Ofloxacin
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole antibiotics
- Bactrim
- Cotrim
- Septra
- Furadantin
- Macrodantin
- Phenazopyridine
- Combination medicine
Common names are:
- Amoxicillin
- Cefaclor
- Cefuroxime
- Cefpodoxime
- Cefixime
- Cefepime
- Piperacillin tazobactam
Problems may be:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea or vomiting
- Rash or allergic reaction
- Bleeding
- Making birth control less effective
- Changes in blood glucose levels in people with diabetes
Common names are:
- Ciprofloxacin
- Levofloxacin
- Norfloxacin
- Ofloxacin
These medicines should not be taken within 2 to 6 hours of taking an antacid or sucralfate.
Problems may be:
- Sensitivity to sunlight
- Lightheadedness
- Sore, swollen tendons
- Changes in blood glucose levels in people with diabetes
- Irregular heartbeat
Note: There is a high risk of severe side effects. These should only be used when other methods have not helped.
Common names are:
- Bactrim
- Cotrim
- Septra
These medicines are not used in babies under 3 months old. The risk of bleeding is higher in older people.
Problems may be:
- Sensitivity to sunlight
- Itching
- Skin rash
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Lightheadedness
Common names are:
- Furadantin
- Macrodantin
Problems may be:
- Changes in blood glucose levels in people with diabetes
- Diarrhea
- Gas
- Lung problems (rare)
Common names are:
- Basidium
- Erodium
- AZO Standard
- Pyridium
These will help ease burning, urgency, and limit number of times a person feels they need to pass urine. Contact lenses should not be worn when taking these medicines.
Problems may be:
- Reddish-orange urine and sweat
- Headache
- Stomach problems
- Problems breathing
- Problems thinking clearly
- Not passing a lot of urine
Common names are:
- Prosed
- Urised
These ease bladder spasms and pain.
Problems may be:
- Lightheadedness
- Sleepiness
- Blurred vision
- Problems thinking clearly
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Change in color of urine or stool to blue or green
Problems may be:
- Breathing problems
- Lightheadedness
- Diarrhea
- Problems thinking clearly
- Problems passing urine
- Fast heartbeat
- Sudden vision problems
- Rash
Older people may have more problems with taking these.
References
Bladder infection (urinary tract infection)—UTI) in adults. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/bladder-infection-uti-in-adults. Accessed March 30, 2022.
Introduction to urinary tract infections (UTIs). Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/genitourinary-disorders/urinary-tract-infections-utis/introduction-to-urinary-tract-infections-utis. Accessed March 30, 2022.
Uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI) (pyelonephritis and cystitis). EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/uncomplicated-urinary-tract-infection-uti-pyelonephritis-and-cystitis. Accessed March 30, 2022.
Urinary tract infections in adults. Urology Care Foundation website. Available at: https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/u/urinary-tract-infections-in-adults. Accessed March 30, 2022.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD
- Review Date: 11/2021
- Update Date: 03/30/2022