Treatment for urinary tract infection: antibiotics and home remedies

Treatment for urinary tract infections usually involves the use of antibiotics prescribed by a doctor, such as ciprofloxacin or phosphomycin, to combat bacteria that are causing the infection.

However, there are also some home remedies, such as cranberry juice, that can help treat the infection when it is still in its infancy or that can be used to complete medical treatment.

Furthermore, it is also important to take some precautions, such as drinking water and maintaining adequate intimate hygiene, to help with recovery and prevent the infection from returning. Find out more about urinary tract infections, their symptoms and treatment options.

Remedies for urinary infection

The main remedies for urinary tract infections are:

1. Antibiotics

Antibiotics should only be used when recommended by a doctor and the most common antibiotics indicated to treat this type of infection include:

• Fosfomicina;
• Ciprofloxacin;
• Levofloxacino;
• Cephalexin;
• Amoxicillin;
• Ceftriaxone;
• Azithromycin;
• Doxycycline.

These antibiotics must be taken until the last day prescribed by the doctor, even if the symptoms have disappeared. This is because, when you stop taking the medicine before the indicated period, bacteria, such as Escherichia colimay not be completely eliminated, generating a new urinary infection.

In babies older than 2 months, the pediatrician usually recommends other antibiotics, such as amoxicillin with clavulanate or sulfamethoxazole with trimethoprim, for example.

2. Painkillers

Phenazopyridine is the main analgesic prescribed by the doctor, because it reduces spasms and anesthetizes the bladder and urethra, relieving symptoms such as painful urination or burning sensation. This medicine can be purchased in pharmacies under the name Pyridium or Uristat, for example.

Furthermore, the most common painkillers, such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen, may also be indicated to help alleviate some symptoms, especially when they are not very intense.

Find out more about the main remedies used to combat urinary tract infections.

What is the best antibiotic?

There are several antibiotic options for urinary tract infections, and the best type of antibiotic varies according to the bacteria that is causing the infection, as well as the severity of the infection.

Therefore, antibiotic treatment for urinary tract infections must always be carried out with medical advice, who must also take into account allergies that the person has, when choosing the best antibiotic.

Natural treatment option

A great natural treatment for urinary tract infections is the consumption of a fruit called cranberries, in their natural form, in the form of juice or capsules.

Cranberries have a high content of proanthocyanidins, substances that make it difficult for bacteria to adhere Escherichia coli in the urinary tract, helping to fight the disease. Check out other home remedy options for urinary tract infections.

However, most urinary infections can be avoided just by drinking adequate water and, therefore, it is recommended to drink at least 2 liters of water per day.

Watch this video with other tips to help fight urinary tract infections faster:

Treatment of urinary tract infection during pregnancy

Treatment for urinary tract infections during pregnancy also involves the use of antibiotics that must be prescribed by the obstetrician.

The safest antibiotics during pregnancy are amoxicillin and cephalexin, which can be used at any stage of pregnancy. See how urinary tract infections during pregnancy should be treated.

Furthermore, it is also recommended to drink plenty of water or fruit juices throughout the recovery time, as they help to eliminate urine, contributing to the elimination of bacteria.