The Best Antibiotics to Treat a UTI
UTI, or urinary tract infection, is a common bacterial infection that can be easily treated with antibiotics 2. The choice of antibiotic depends on the bacteria that are causing the infection, the severity of symptoms, the possibility of complications and the ability of the patient to take medicine by mouth. There are several types of antibiotics to treat a UTI.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Penicillin
The penicillin antibiotics include ampicillin, amoxicillin and Augmentin 2. Penicillin antibiotics work by disrupting the process used by bacteria to create their cell walls. Some UTI bacteria have become resistant to the effects of penicillin antibiotics. Augmentin is a penicillin antibiotic that tries to circumvent the resistance of these bacteria. It has an added component, called clavulanic acid, which binds and inhibits the proteins used by these bacteria to become resistant to penicillin.
- The penicillin antibiotics include ampicillin, amoxicillin and Augmentin 2.
- It has an added component, called clavulanic acid, which binds and inhibits the proteins used by these bacteria to become resistant to penicillin.
Sulfa Antibiotics
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The best-known sulfa antibiotic is Bactrim. Sulfa antibiotics interfere with bacterial growth by inhibiting the production of a specific protein. Sulfa antibiotics were used to treat uncomplicated UTIs until bacteria started becoming resistant to it. As of 2010, its use is limited in areas where the resistance rate is low.
- The best-known sulfa antibiotic is Bactrim.
- Sulfa antibiotics interfere with bacterial growth by inhibiting the production of a specific protein.
Cephalosporins
Cephalosporin antibiotics are related to penicillin, and kill bacteria in the same way--by inhibiting cell wall synthesis. Cephalosporins are useful in the treatment of UTIs in patients with penicillin allergies, although there is a small risk of also having an allergy to cephalosporins if you are allergic to penicillin. Also, intravenous cephalosporins, like ceftriaxone, are useful in the treatment of complicated UTIs or pyelonephritis (kidney infections), especially if the patient needs hospitalization or is unable to tolerate medicines by mouth.
- Cephalosporin antibiotics are related to penicillin, and kill bacteria in the same way--by inhibiting cell wall synthesis.
- Also, intravenous cephalosporins, like ceftriaxone, are useful in the treatment of complicated UTIs or pyelonephritis (kidney infections), especially if the patient needs hospitalization or is unable to tolerate medicines by mouth.
Fluoroquinolones
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Fluoroquinolone antibiotics were developed as alternative antibiotics to the growing penicillin resistance among bacteria. They work by inhibiting the division of DNA at the cellular level, and by making bacterial DNA more fragile and easier to break 2. The most common fluoroquinolone antibiotic is ciprofloxacin. It can be taken by mouth or via an IV. It is useful in the treatment of complicated UTIs or pyelonephritis. Unfortunately, its use is limited to adult patients, as there is some evidence of damage to the cartilage of weight-bearing joints in children using this antibiotic.
- Fluoroquinolone antibiotics were developed as alternative antibiotics to the growing penicillin resistance among bacteria.
- Unfortunately, its use is limited to adult patients, as there is some evidence of damage to the cartilage of weight-bearing joints in children using this antibiotic.
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References
- New York Times Health Guide
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse
- American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Penicillin Allergy FAQ.
- Penicillin allergy-getting the label right. Drug Ther Bull. 2017;55(3):33-36. doi:10.1136/dtb.2017.3.0463
- Up to Date. Patient Education: Allergy to penicillin and related antibiotics (Beyond the Basics). Updated December 06, 2017.
- National Institutes of Health. LiverTox Drug Record: Penicillin G and V. Updated July 1, 2019.
- National Institutes of Health. LiverTox Drug Record: Penicillinase-Resistant Penicillins, Second Generation Penicillins. Updated July 1, 2019.
- Shenoy ES, Macy E, Rowe T, Blumenthal KG. Evaluation and Management of Penicillin Allergy: A Review. JAMA. 2019;321(2):188-199. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.19283
- Centers for Disease Control. Management of Persons Who Have a History of Penicillin Allergy. Updated June 4, 2015.
Writer Bio
Ruben J. Nazario has been a medical writer and editor since 2007. His work has appeared in national print and online publications. Nazario is a graduate of the University of Louisville School of Medicine, and is board-certified in pediatrics. He also has a Master of Arts in liberal studies from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.