Home Symptoms Treatment for urinary tract infection: antibiotics and home remedies

Treatment for urinary tract infection: antibiotics and home remedies

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Treatment for urinary tract infection is usually done using antibiotics prescribed by a doctor, such as Ciprofloxacin or Fosfomycin, to eliminate excess bacteria, such as Escherichia coli , that are causing the infection.

However, there are also some home remedies, such as cranberry juice, that can treat the infection when it appears or that can be used only to complete medical treatment.

In addition, it is also important to take some precautions, such as drinking water and maintaining proper genital hygiene, to speed recovery and prevent the infection from recurring.

List of recommended remedies

The two main types of drugs used to treat a urinary tract infection are antibiotics, which kill bacteria, and pain relievers, which help to relieve symptoms during the first few days.

1. Antibiotics

Antibiotics should only be used when recommended by the doctor, however, the most common ones to treat this type of infection include:

  • Fosfomycin; Ciprofloxacin; Levofloxacin; Cephalexin; Amoxicillin; Ceftriaxone; Azithromycin; Doxycycline.

These antibiotics should be taken until the last day the doctor has prescribed, usually 7 to 14 days, even if the symptoms have disappeared, to ensure that the urinary tract infection has healed.

This is because, if you stop taking the medicine before this date, bacteria, such as Escherichia coli , may not have been completely eliminated, and may generate a new urinary infection.

In babies older than 2 months, the pediatrician usually chooses to use other antibiotics, such as amoxicillin with clavulanate or sulfamethoxazole with trimethoprim, for example.

2. Painkillers

Phenazopyridine is the main analgesic prescribed by the doctor, because its action reduces the amount of spasms and anesthetizes the bladder and urethra, relieving symptoms such as pain when urinating or burning throughout the day. This medicine can be purchased at conventional pharmacies under the name of Pyridium or Uristat, for example.

In addition, the most common painkillers, like Paracetamol or Ibuprofen, can also help relieve some symptoms, especially when they are not very intense.

Learn about the main remedies used to fight urinary tract infection.

Natural treatment option

A great natural treatment for urinary tract infection is the consumption of a fruit called cranberry, or cranberry, in its natural form, in the form of juice or in capsules. The cranberry has a high content of proanthocyanidins, substances that hinder the adhesion of the bacteria Escherichia coli in the urinary tract, decreasing the chances of the disease.

However, about 70% of urinary infections can be prevented only with the proper intake of water and, therefore, it is recommended to drink at least 2 liters of water per day.

Watch this video with other tips to cure urinary tract infection faster:

How to cure urinary tract infection in pregnancy

Treatment for urinary tract infection in pregnant women is also done with the use of antibiotics, and the safest drugs against urinary tract infection at this stage are amoxicillin and cephalexin, which can be used in any trimester.

Learn more about treating urinary tract infection during pregnancy.

Treatment for urinary tract infection: antibiotics and home remedies