- UTI treatment usually involves antibiotics prescribed based on the bacteria causing the infection.
- Seek medical care right away if you have fever, back or side pain, nausea, or vomiting, as these symptoms may indicate a kidney infection.
- Finish the full course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve, to help clear the infection completely and reduce the risk of it coming back.
UTI treatment usually involves antibiotics prescribed by a doctor to eliminate the bacteria causing the infection. The best antibiotic depends on the type of bacteria, the severity of the infection, and factors such as pregnancy or medication allergies.
Some home remedies, such as cranberry juice or capsules, may help support UTI treatment when used along with medical care, but they should not replace antibiotics for an active infection. Drinking plenty of water and maintaining proper hygiene can also help support recovery and reduce the risk of another infection.
UTI treatment may also include pain relievers to ease burning and discomfort while the antibiotics begin working. Completing the full course of antibiotics is important to fully clear the infection and help prevent it from coming back.
How to treat a UTI
The main medications for urinary tract infection are:
1. Antibiotics for UTI
Antibiotics should only be used when recommended by a healthcare provider. The most commonly prescribed UTI antibiotics are:
- Nitrofurantoin
- Sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim
- Fosfomycin
- Cephalexin
- Amoxicillin-clavulanate
- Ceftriaxone
- Ciprofloxacin
- Levofloxacin
These antibiotics should be taken for the entire course prescribed by the healthcare provider, even if symptoms improve before the medication is finished. Ending treatment early may allow bacteria, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), to survive, which can lead to another UTI.
In babies and young children, the pediatrician may prescribe different antibiotics based on the child's age, the bacteria causing the infection, and local antibiotic resistance patterns. Common options include amoxicillin-clavulanate, cephalexin, or sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim.
2. Pain relievers
Phenazopyridine is a urinary pain reliever that is often recommended by healthcare providers. It has a numbing effect on the urinary tract, helping relieve symptoms such as pain, burning, urgency, and frequent urination. This medicine is available in pharmacies under brand names such as Pyridium or Uristat.
Other common pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, may also be recommended to help relieve some symptoms, especially when they are mild.
What is the best antibiotic for a UTI?
There are several antibiotics that can be used to treat a UTI, and the best choice depends on the specific bacteria causing the infection and how severe it is.
Because of this, UTI treatment should always be prescribed and monitored by a healthcare provider, who will also consider any drug allergies when selecting the most appropriate option.
Natural remedies
A natural option that may help support urinary tract health is cranberry, either as the whole fruit, juice, or capsules.
Cranberry contains proanthocyanidins, which may make it harder for E. coli bacteria to stick to the lining of the urinary tract. However, cranberry should not replace antibiotics or medical treatment for an active UTI.
Drinking enough water may also help lower the risk of future urinary tract infections by helping flush bacteria from the urinary tract. In general, drinking about 2 liters of water per day is often recommended, although individual fluid needs may vary.
UTI treatment during pregnancy
UTI pregnancy treatment usually includes antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare provider.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), antibiotics used to treat UTIs during pregnancy may include nitrofurantoin, beta-lactams, sulfonamides, and fosfomycin, depending on the clinical situation.
Drinking plenty of water during recovery may help increase urination and support the elimination of bacteria.