The best UTI medicine over the counter includes products that help ease urinary pain and burning, such as Cystex or phenazopyridine (AZO). These over-the-counter UTI options may reduce discomfort, urgency, and burning with urination (dysuria), but they do not treat the infection itself.
Cystex and phenazopyridine help relieve UTI symptoms like pain and burning until you can see a healthcare provider. Drinking plenty of water may also help reduce symptoms by diluting the urine and reducing irritation.
Certain foods and teas may support symptom relief as well, including parsley, which increases urine volume and may help flush the bladder and urinary tract; corn silk tea, which may reduce symptoms, blood, pus, and crystals in the urine; and hydrating foods like melon and cucumber. In addition, ginger, cashews, cloves, cinnamon, garlic, and pomegranate may target E. coli, the main bacteria that cause urinary tract infections (UTIs).
To be sure you have a UTI, it is necessary to see your primary care provider and get a urine test. If there is an infection, treatment must be done with antibiotics, which are available only with a prescription.