If it burns when you pee or you suddenly need to go all the time, you may have a urinary tract infection (UTI). You may also wonder whether you need antibiotics or if the infection could clear up on its own.
Antibiotics for UTI treat the bacteria causing the infection. Getting the right treatment can also keep a bladder infection from spreading to your kidneys.
Most UTIs affect the bladder or urethra. But an untreated bladder infection can sometimes spread to the kidneys. A kidney infection, also called pyelonephritis, is more serious and needs prompt treatment.
What Antibiotics Are Used for a UTI?
The right antibiotic depends on the type of UTI you have and the bacteria causing it. Your doctor will consider where the infection is, how severe it is, and whether you have other health problems that could affect treatment.
For a simple bladder infection, common antibiotics include:
- Nitrofurantoin
- Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX)
- Fosfomycin
Your doctor will decide which medication is right for you. In some cases, a urine culture can show which bacteria are causing the infection and which antibiotics are most likely to work.
How Long Do You Take Antibiotics for a UTI?
Many bladder infections only need a short course of antibiotics. The length of treatment depends on the medication and your individual needs.
For some uncomplicated bladder infections, nitrofurantoin is commonly taken for five days. TMP-SMX may be taken for three days, while fosfomycin may be given as a single dose.
Treatment may be different if your UTI is more complicated or has spread to your kidneys. Your doctor may prescribe a fluoroquinolone, cephalosporin, or another antibiotic based on your symptoms and test results.
Some people with a serious kidney infection need antibiotics through an IV at first. Once you’re feeling better, you may be able to switch to an antibiotic you take by mouth.
Complicated UTIs may also need only a short course of antibiotics. Your doctor will decide how long you need treatment based on the infection and how well you’re responding.
Do I Need to Finish My Antibiotics for a UTI?
You may start feeling better before you’ve taken all your prescribed doses. That doesn’t mean you should stop your medication on your own.
Take your antibiotic for as long as your doctor tells you to. Your doctor may change the medication or tell you to stop it if test results show that you need a different treatment.
Skipping doses or stopping early without talking to your doctor can make treatment less effective. It can also lead to antibiotic resistance, which can make some infections harder to treat.
What Side Effects Can UTI Antibiotics Cause?
Like other medications, antibiotics can cause side effects. Depending on the antibiotic, you may experience:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Upset stomach
- Rash
- Dizziness
- Yeast infections
Tell your doctor about any antibiotic allergies you’ve had in the past.
Some allergic reactions can be serious. Get prompt medical care if you develop hives, swelling of your face or throat, wheezing, or trouble breathing after taking an antibiotic.
When Should I See a Doctor for a UTI?
Contact your doctor if you have symptoms such as:
- Burning or pain when you pee
- A frequent need to urinate
- A sudden, strong urge to urinate
- Pain or pressure in your lower abdomen
Your doctor may use a urine test to look for signs of an infection. In some cases, a urine culture can identify the bacteria and help your doctor choose the right antibiotic.
Get medical care right away if you have signs that the infection may have reached your kidneys. These can include fever, chills, vomiting, or pain in your back or side.
Do You Need Antibiotics For UTI Symptoms?
If you think you have a UTI, don’t try to guess whether you need antibiotics or wait for worsening symptoms. A doctor can check for an infection and recommend the right treatment.
If you’re having UTI symptoms in Murrells Inlet or Conway, SC,call 843.347.2450 to schedule an appointment with Atlantic Urology Specialists. We can find out what’s causing your symptoms and recommend treatment to help you feel better and keep the infection from becoming more serious.