Medications for cystitis, such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and pain relievers, help treat and relieve symptoms like pain, frequent urination, a heavy feeling in the bladder, cloudy urine with a strong odor, or fever.
Cystitis treatment should always be guided by a urologist or primary care doctor, depending on the type of cystitis. It can be acute, when symptoms appear suddenly, or interstitial, which is chronic and long-lasting.
Cystitis is a type of urinary tract infection that occurs when bacteria reach the bladder. It is most often caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli), a bacterium that naturally lives in the intestinal flora and can travel to the urethra and then to the bladder, causing infection.
6 medications for cystitis
The main medications used in cystitis treatment include:
1. Antibiotics
Antibiotics are the first-line treatment for cystitis and should be prescribed based on the bacteria causing the infection.
They must be taken exactly as directed by the doctor. The most commonly prescribed antibiotics are:
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Fosfomycin tromethamine (Monurol), usually taken as a single 3 g sachet or every 24 hours for 2 days. It should be taken at night before bed on an empty stomach and with an empty bladder.
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Nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin or Macrobid), typically prescribed as 100 mg every 6 hours for 7 to 10 days.
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Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim or Septra), usually taken as 1 Bactrim DS tablet (or 2 regular Bactrim tablets) every 12 hours for at least 5 days.
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Fluoroquinolones, such as ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin, with the dosage depending on the specific medication prescribed.
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Penicillins and cephalosporins, such as cephalexin or ceftriaxone, with the dose and duration depending on the antibiotic prescribed.
Symptoms of cystitis usually improve within a few days of treatment, but it is important to complete the full antibiotic course prescribed by the doctor, even if the symptoms go away.
2. Antispasmodics and pain relievers
Cystitis often causes discomfort such as burning during urination, abdominal pain, or pressure in the lower abdomen.
To relieve these symptoms, the doctor may prescribe antispasmodic medications such as flavoxate (Urispas), hyoscyamine (Levsin), or scopolamine (Donnatal). These medications help relax the bladder muscles and reduce discomfort.
Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) may also be used to relieve pain and burning caused by cystitis, although it does not have an antispasmodic effect. It acts as a urinary tract analgesic.
3. Urinary antiseptics
Urinary antiseptics, such as methenamine or methylene blue, can help reduce burning and pain during urination, eliminate bacteria from the urinary tract, and prevent recurrent infections. These medications should always be used under medical supervision.
4. Anti-inflammatories
Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or ketoprofen can help reduce inflammation in the bladder and relieve pain and urinary discomfort caused by cystitis.
These medications may also be used along with antispasmodics that contain scopolamine to help reduce painful bladder and urethral contractions.
5. Home remedies
Home remedies for cystitis, such as dandelion tea or parsley tea, can help relieve discomfort and complement the treatment prescribed by the doctor.
Supplements containing cranberry extract may also be helpful, as cranberry prevents bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract and supports a balanced gut microbiota, creating an environment that discourages cystitis from developing.
Medications for interstitial cystitis
Interstitial cystitis, also known as painful bladder syndrome, is a chronic inflammation of the bladder that causes pressure and pain. Treatment focuses on reducing symptoms and may include:
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Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, to reduce pain and inflammation.
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Antihistamines, such as loratadine or cetirizine, to reduce urinary urgency and frequency and relieve other symptoms.
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Pentosan polysulfate sodium (Elmiron), which helps protect the bladder lining from irritants in urine, although its exact mechanism of action is not fully understood.
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Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline or imipramine, which help relax the bladder and reduce pain signals.
Another possible cystitis treatment involves applying medications directly into the bladder, such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or lidocaine, under medical supervision.