The most widely used remedies to treat cystitis are antibiotics, as this is a disease caused by microorganisms. Antibiotics should only be used if prescribed by a doctor and some of the most prescribed examples are nitrofurantoin, fosfomycin, trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin.
In addition, antibiotics can be supplemented with other medications that speed healing and help relieve symptoms, such as antiseptics, analgesics, antispasmodics and some herbal remedies.
Cystitis is an infection usually caused by the E. Coli bacteria , which migrates from the intestine to the urethra and its symptoms include urgency to urinate, pain and burning when urinating. Find out if you have a urinary tract infection by taking an online symptom test.
1. Antibiotics
Some of the most suitable antibiotics to treat cystitis, which can be indicated by the doctor and purchased at the pharmacy, are:
- Nitrofurantoin (Macrodantina), whose dosage is generally recommended is 1 capsule of 100 mg, every 6 hours, for 7 to 10 days; Phosphomycin (Monuril), whose dosage is generally recommended is 1 sachet of 3 g in a single or every dose 24 hours, for 2 days, which should be taken, preferably on an empty stomach and bladder, preferably at night, before bedtime; Sulfametoxazol + trimethoprim (Bactrim or Bactrim F), whose dosage which is normally recommended is 1 tablet Bactrim F or 2 Bactrim tablets, every 12 hours, for at least 5 days or until the symptoms disappear; Fluoroquinolones, such as ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin, whose dosage depends on the medicine the doctor prescribes; Penicillin or derivatives, as is the case with cephalosporins, such as cephalexin or ceftriaxone, whose dosage also varies according to the prescribed medication.
Usually, the symptoms of cystitis disappear within a few days of treatment, however, it is important that the person takes the antibiotic during the time that has been determined by the doctor.
2. Antispasmodics and analgesics
In most cases, cystitis causes unpleasant symptoms such as pain and burning when urinating, frequent urge to urinate, abdominal pain or a feeling of heaviness in the bottom of the belly and, therefore, the doctor may associate antispasmodic remedies such as flavoxate with the antibiotic (Urispas), scopolamine (Buscopan and Tropinal) or hyoscyamine (Tropinal), for example, which are remedies that alleviate all these symptoms associated with the urinary tract.
In addition, although it has no antispasmodic action, phenazopyridine (Urovit or Pyridium) also relieves the pain and burning sensation of cystitis, since it is an analgesic that acts on the urinary tract.
3. Antiseptics
Antiseptics, such as methenamine and methylthionium chloride (Sepurin), can also help relieve pain and burning when urinating, help eliminate bacteria from the urinary tract and prevent recurrent infections.
Supplements can also be used with red cranberry extract, known as cranberry, which may be associated with other components, which act by preventing the adhesion of bacteria to the urinary tract, contributing to the maintenance of a balanced intestinal microflora, creating an adverse environment for development cystitis. Discover other benefits of cranberry capsules.
In addition, there is also a tablet vaccine for urinary infection, Uro-Vaxom, which has components extracted from Escherichia coli , which works by stimulating the body's natural defenses, being used to prevent recurrent infections of the urinary tract or as an adjunct to treatment acute urinary tract infections. Learn how to use this medicine.
Check out the following video for some homemade options to fight urinary tract infection:
Remedies for interstitial cystitis
Interstitial cystitis, also known as Painful Bladder Syndrome, is a chronic inflammation of the bladder that causes pain and pressure in the bladder. The remedies used in the treatment work only to reduce the symptoms of the disease:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, to relieve pain and inflammation; Antihistamines such as loratadine, which reduce urinary frequency and urgency and relieve other symptoms; Sodium pentosan polysulfate, which although not known at the time certain of its mechanism of action, it is thought to protect the internal walls of the bladder from irritants present in the urine; tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline and imipramine, which help to relax the bladder and block pain.
Another treatment alternative is the application of drugs directly to the bladder such as dimethyl sulfoxide, heparin or lidocaine, always under medical advice.
