What Are the Treatments for Klebsiella Pneumoniae From a Urine Culture?

A urinary tract infection, or UTI, refers to any infection of the kidneys, ureters, bladder or urethra according to MayoClinic 1. Most infections occurring in the bladder cause burning urination, frequency, urgency and colicky abdominal pain. Kidney infection symptoms include fever, mid to low back pain and possible nausea and vomiting. Klebsiella pneumoniae is a bacterium that causes UTIs. Treatment for Klebsiella UTI can vary, depending on the medication used and the severity of the problem.

Bactrim

According to Drugs.com, sulfamethoxazole and trimethroprim, or Bactrim, is excreted primarily through the kidneys 23. Bactrim concentrates in the urine, which makes it an effective antibacterial agent for UTIs. Bactrim comes in double-strength tablets, and is taken twice a day for 5 to 7 days. Bactrim is usually a well-tolerated medication, but it can have side effects. Patients with known sulfa allergies should not take Bactrim. At the first appearance of a rash, Bactrim should be discontinued. Patients may experience cough and respiratory distress as a reaction to Bactrim. Taken during pregnancy, Bactrim, can cause cleft palate.

Ciprofloxacin

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Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone and works very well against Klebsiella UTIs. Cipro 250 mg is taken orally twice a day for 7 to 10 days to clear the infection. Cipro should be taken with food. Fluoroquinolones carry a black box warning regarding possible tendinitis and tendon rupture. Patients at greatest risk of this adverse event are kidney, lung or heart transplant patients, patients who take steroid medications and the elderly.

Zosyn

Piperacillin and tazobactam, or Zosyn, is a beta-lactamase inhibitor. This means that the penicillin product has been reinforced with a special medicine that inhibits the release of beta-lactamase enzyme from bacteria. This enzyme, when released from bacteria, makes penicillin ineffective against it. Zosyn must be administered intravenously and is reserved for patients with more complicated kidney infections or those patients who have hospital-acquired UTIs. This medication can cause nausea and vomiting and other gastrointestinal upset in some patients, but it is usually well tolerated. Diarrhea caused by Clostridium difficile can be a serious side effect of Zosyn. Patients who are allergic to penicillin should not take this medication.