Remedies for urinary tract infection: check out 10 most suitable options

The treatment of urinary tract infection is done especially with the administration of antibiotic drugs, such as nitrofurantoin and penicillin, but the medical indication may vary according to the microorganisms. Remedies help eliminate the causative bacteria and alleviate the main symptoms.

THE urinary tract infection it can occur anywhere in the urinary system and is usually caused when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and begin to multiply in the bladder. Although a number of microorganisms can cause the problem, bacteria are usually the culprit. Escherichia coli — which is naturally present in the gut.

According to Rodrigo Wilson Andrade, a urologist at Hospital Albert Sabin in São Paulo, the patient should seek help whenever they experience discomfort or pain. Symptoms of urinary tract infection may vary, but such cases usually show signs such as pain or burning when urinating, urgency when urinating and feeling of heaviness in the belly.

Precautions for administering medication for urinary tract infection

Since the treatment for urinary tract infection is carried out especially by the use of antibiotics, it is essential that the patient inform the doctor in charge about the existence of allergies to medications of the type — especially when it comes to penicillins and cephalosporins. In this way, the specialist will be able to indicate safer alternatives for administration.

In addition, it is emphasized that all indicated drugs should be purchased only with a medical prescription and after the diagnosis of urinary tract infection. According to Rodrigo, self-medication and, consequently, the inappropriate use of medicines, can cause antibiotic resistance and other health complications.

Learn more: Why do bacteria become resistant to antibiotics?

To better understand the difference between the indications of medications to treat urinary tract infection, see the most indicated options:

1. Macrodantin

Macrodantin is an antibacterial agent indicated in the treatment of urinary infections caused by bacteria sensitive to nitrofurantoin — which is its main asset. The medicine inhibits vital bacterial processes, such as protein and cell wall synthesis, which results in the death of bacteria that have proliferated in the urinary tract. It is sold in capsules of 100 mg, in a package containing 28 capsules.

2. Monuril

Monuril, whose active ingredient is fosfomycin trometamol, is indicated for the short-term treatment of uncomplicated bacterial infections of the lower urinary tract. The drug is synthesized in the laboratory, with a broad spectrum of action, and is sold in granules, in packages with one or two envelopes of 8 g of granules.

3. Bactrim

Bactrim is an oral chemotherapeutic indicated for the treatment of infections caused by microorganisms sensitive to the combination of drugs. trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole — which act synergistically by inhibiting two consecutive steps in the formation of a substance necessary for microorganisms, which are no longer able to develop. It is sold in tablets, in packs that can vary from 400 mg + 80 mg with 20 pills, and 800 mg + 160 mg in packs with four or ten pills.

4. Ciprofloxacin

Ciprofloxacin belongs to the group of quinolones, which block certain bacterial enzymes that play a key role in bacterial metabolism and reproduction, killing the microorganisms that cause the disease. The drug is for oral use and sold in coated tablets of 500 mg, each package containing 14 tablets.

5. Levofloxacin

Levofloxacin is an oral medication indicated for the treatment of infections caused by bacteria sensitive to levofloxacinsuch as Escherichia coli, one of the main causes of urinary tract infection. The action of the drug starts right after its administration, continuing progressively with the course of the treatment, until the elimination of the infection. It is marketed in packs containing seven and ten pills.

6. Amoxicillin

Amoxicillin is an oral penicillin that belongs to the group of penicillin antibiotics and is effective against a wide variety of bacteria. It should be noted that, if the patient has already presented an allergy to any penicillin, the doctor responsible for the treatment must be informed immediately. The drug is marketed in 500 mg capsules, in packs containing 15, 21 or 30 capsules.

7. Cephalexin

Cephalexin is an orally administered antibiotic from the group of cephalosporins, chemically similar to the penicillin family. After administration of cephalexin, its absorption is rapid and peak blood levels are usually reached within one hour. The drug is marketed in 500 mg tablets, in packs containing eight, ten, 40, 80, 200, 400 and 500 tablets.

8. Ceftriaxone

Like cephalexin, ceftriaxone is also an antibiotic from the cephalosporin group, whose main active ingredient is cephalexin monohydrate. The drug is marketed in 500 mg capsules, in packs of eight or ten capsules.

9. Antispasmodics and analgesics

The prescription of antispasmodic drugs and analgesics can be made with the aim of relieving the unpleasant symptoms of urinary infection, such as pain and burning when urinating, frequent urge to urinate or feeling of heaviness in the belly. Commonly prescribed remedies include those based on flavoxate (as Urispas), scopolamine (like Buscopan) and hyoscyamine (Tropinal).

10. Cranberry Supplement

The use of supplements based on cranberry extract, known as cranberry, can be useful as a complement to clinical treatment or to prevent recurrences of the problem. This is because, being rich in components such as vitamin C and organic acids, cranberry helps to prevent bacterial attachment to cell surfaces, blocking the invasion of microorganisms such as Escherichia coli, one of the main causes of urinary tract infections.

Currently there is a wide variety of supplements with the extract in its composition. However, it is noteworthy that the cranberry does not replace the clinical treatment of urinary tract infection and should only be used as a supplement.

Uro-Vaxom: How does the urinary tract infection vaccine work?

Uro-Vaxom is a vaccine indicated for prevent recurrent urinary tract infections or how complement in the treatment of acute infections, being commercialized in Brazil in pills composed of components extracted from Escherichia coli. Immunizer acts by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies which, consequently, increase immunity and reduce the occurrence of urinary tract infections.

Remedy for urinary tract infection in pregnancy

As in a non-pregnant person, the treatment of urinary tract infection in pregnancy is done through the administration of antibiotics, such as cephalexin, for an extended period of time. Because it is associated with serious complications in the period, such as maternal sepsis, treatment is essential so that there are no risks to the health of the mother and baby.

Only a specialist doctor will be able to indicate the most suitable medicine to treat the problem. In case of reappearance of the disease, the pregnant woman is submitted to prophylaxis from the use of antibiotics in low doses, every day, until the day of delivery. More severe conditions may require the patient to be hospitalized.