Bladder infections are cured with a wide range of antibiotics. The appropriate antibiotic, its dose and the duration of the treatment depend upon the bacterium responsible for the infection and the severity of the infection. Uncomplicated infections are cured within three to seven days. Long-term treatment with antibiotics is sometimes recommended to prevent recurrent bladder infections.
Medications to Treat Bladder Infection
Phenazopyridine
The pain, irritation, burning and discomfort caused by bladder infection can be treated with phenazopyridine. However, this medication cannot cure the infection. Before an antibiotic starts working, the analgesic effect of phenazopyradine provides fast relief from the symptoms of the infection. Phenazopyradine is taken orally up to thrice a day or as directed by the physician after meals. It is speedily excreted, providing fast relief from pain while urinating.
Once the antibiotic starts working and the symptoms of the infection subside, your physician may ask you to stop the medication. Stomach upset, headache and dizziness are common side effects of the drug. Change in color of urine is a harmless side effect of phenazopyridine.
Ciprofloxacin
Ciprofloxacin belongs to a class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones. Extended release ciprofloxacin tablets are commonly used for treating bladder infection. These tablets are usually taken once a day or as directed by the physician. Ciprofloxacin should not be taken with milk, dairy or calcium fortified foods. Drowsiness, nervousness, anxiety and increase in heartbeat are common side effects of the antibiotic medication that can be minimized by limiting intake of foods and beverages containing caffeine such as coffee, tea, carbonated drinks and chocolate. Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, heartburn, headache, vaginal itching and urgency to urinate are other side effects of the drug.
Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin belongs to the class medications called penicillin-like antibiotics. It is usually taken twice or thrice a day to heal the bladder infection.
Side effects that might occur following amoxicillin intake include vomiting, stomach upset and diarrhea. People allergic to penicillin may not tolerate amoxicillin.
Ampicillin
Ampicillin can effectively treat bladder infection. This penicillin-like antibiotic can be taken orally up to four times a day or as directed by the physician. Ampicillin should be taken on empty stomach, at least two hours after or one hour before a meal. It may cause vomiting, diarrhea, stomach upset and rash.
Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim
Antibiotic medication containing sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim helps to treat bladder infections. For treating the bacterial infection, usually two sufamethoxazole and trimethoprim tablets are taken each day.
Stomach pain, fever, chill, chest pain, blistering of the skin, black tarry stools, cough and dizziness are some of the rare side effects of the antibiotic medication.
Levofloxacin
Levofloxacin, an antibiotic classified as a fluoroquinolone drug, is used for treating severe bacterial infections. Levofloxacin tablet is usually taken once a day. People on this antibiotic medication should drink plenty of water or fluid. Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation, headache, heartburn and vaginal itching are common side effects of this drug.
Nitrofurantoin
Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic used for treating bladder infection. Two to four nitrofurantoin tablets are usually taken each day, at least for seven days or as directed by the physician. Rare side effects of the drug include nausea, vomiting, brown or dark yellow urine and loss of appetite.
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