Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Treatment

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Definition

A UTI is an infection that occurs in the urinary system, affecting the kidneys, bladder, ureters, or urethra.

Symptoms

• Frequent urination
• Pain or burning sensation during urination
• Pain in the lower abdomen or back
• Blood in the urine
• Strong-smelling urine
• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting

Treatment

Antibiotics

Used to treat UTIs, antibiotics can be categorized into several classes:

Sulfonamides

• Examples: sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra)
• Mechanism: inhibits bacterial synthesis of folic acid
• Adverse reactions: allergic reactions, gastrointestinal disturbances, kidney damage

Cephalosporins

• Examples: cephalexin (Keflex), cefaclor (Ceclor)
• Mechanism: inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis
• Adverse reactions: allergic reactions, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting

Trimethoprim

• Examples: trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra)
• Mechanism: inhibits bacterial synthesis of folic acid
• Adverse reactions: allergic reactions, gastrointestinal disturbances, kidney damage

Fluoroquinolones

• Examples: ciprofloxacin (Cipro), levofloxacin (Levaquin)
• Mechanism: inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase
• Adverse reactions: tendon rupture, muscle weakness, gastrointestinal disturbances

Macrolides

• Examples: erythromycin, azithromycin (Zithromax)
• Mechanism: inhibits bacterial protein synthesis
• Adverse reactions: gastrointestinal disturbances, allergic reactions, hearing loss

Adverse Reactions

• Allergic reactions (rash, hives, difficulty breathing)
• Gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
• Kidney damage
• Tendon rupture
• Muscle weakness
• Hearing loss

Note: It is essential to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if symptoms improve before finishing the medication.