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The goals of treatment are control of the infection and reduction of symptoms. Acute symptoms usually resolve within 48 to 72 hours after appropriate treatment.
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Due to the high mortality rate in the elderly population and the risk of permanent kidney damage, prompt treatment is recommended.
After obtaining a urine culture to identify the bacteria, antibiotics are selected to treat the infection.
MEDICATIONS
Intravenous (IV) antibiotics may be used initially to control the bacterial infection if your infection is severe or you cannot take antibiotics by mouth. In acute cases of pyelonephritis, you may receive a 10- to 14-day course of antibiotics.
Chronic pyelonephritis may require long-term antibiotic therapy. It is imperative that you finish taking the entire course of prescribed antibiotics. Commonly used antibiotics include the following:
- Sulfa drugs such as sulfisoxazole/trimethoprim
- Amoxicillin
- Cephalosporins
- Levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin
Kidney damage can result from these infections. The elderly, infants, and people with a compromised immune system are at increased risk for developing sepsis (a severe blood infection). Often, these people will be admitted to the hospital to receive frequent monitoring for potential problems and to receive IV antibiotics, additional IV fluids, and other medications as necessary.
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