UTIs can be effectively treated with antibiotics. You can also support the treatment with other medications and preventive measures. Antibiotics are prescription-based. But you can use a combination of UTI Antibiotics over the counter medicines by opting for boric acid suppositories or probiotic supplements along with your prescription pills.

Antibiotics for UTIs

Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics based on the type of your infection, your history of UTIs, and other considerations.

Nitrofurantoin is a common antibiotic for UTI treatment. The dosage may be 1 pill (100 mg); twice daily for a week or so. It is usually used for treating UTIs of the bladder (cystitis).

Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim (800 mg/160 mg) is prescribed as 1 tablet twice a day for seven days or so.

Ciprofloxacin (250 mg), 1 pill is taken twice a day for three days or so. It is usually used for treating UTIs in the kidneys (uncomplicated pyelonephritis).

Amoxicillin-Clavulanic Acid (500 mg/125 mg), 1 tablet, twice a day for five days or so is recommended. It is usually used when the initial antibiotic treatment course is ineffective. The first line of treatment is usually with Nitrofurantoin or Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim.

Ceftriaxone, Fosfomycin, Levofloxacin, and Cephalexin are some other antibiotics used for treating UTIs.

– Uncomplicated UTIs refer to the condition when the urinary tract is normal. When there is a disease present in the urinary tract, UTIs are referred to as complicated.

– The treatment with antibiotics may differ as per the type of UTI you have contracted. For complicated UTIs, the dose of antibiotics may be higher. If needed; your doctor may administer the antibiotics via an IV. For complicated UTIs, the antibiotic course may run for two weeks or so.

– For uncomplicated UTIs, the dose may be for three days or so. Some may need antibiotics for 7-10 days.

– Even if your symptoms clear within a few days of starting the antibiotic treatment course, it is essential to complete it. If you stop the treatment midway, the infection may not clear away completely even if you no longer have the symptoms. If the infections recur, the same antibiotic may not be as effective against the same germs as it was during the initial round of the treatment.

– Your doctor may review your treatment plan if the infection doesn’t clear away even after two weeks.

Supportive Treatments

Antibiotics alone may not be enough to clear the infection. You may need UTI Antibiotics over counter medicine combined treatment plan.

– For instance, the use of probiotic supplements can aid the treatment. Probiotics help the growth of good bacteria, which may make the treatment more effective. Good bacteria help many gut functions. Bacteria is also present in the vagina. Probiotics help to maintain a balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut and the vagina; thus, helping to prevent UTIs. Eating probiotic-rich foods such as fermented dishes and yogurt may also help.

– You can also use boric acid suppositories to support UTI treatments. Suppositories are medicines to be inserted into the vagina or the rectum. For UTI treatment, you need to insert it into the vagina. Boric acid can help to restore the balance of good and bad bacteria in the urinary tract.

– D-Mannose capsules are also available as OTC medicines. You can use them to support your antibiotic treatment. D-Mannose is a simple sugar; closely related to glucose. It is found in cranberries, oranges, apples, and other fruits. D-Mannose helps to prevent bacterial growth in the urinary tract. You can take it as the infection begins or as you experience the first symptoms. You can start the antibiotic course along with it. You can continue to use it alongside antibiotics. But you can also use it before sexual intercourse or any activity that puts you at risk for contracting UTIs.

When to See the Doctor

See your doctor as you experience the first symptoms of UTI. Pain and burning sensation while urination, nausea, vomiting, chills, and fever are all signs of UTIs.

If you have recurring symptoms, use OTC medicines immediately and inform your doctor about the symptoms. Use antibiotics as needed.

Drink plenty of fluids and keep the urinary tract healthy by consuming probiotics.