Treatment

Although antibiotics should be used as a cure for most urinary tract infections, severe symptoms can persist for several days until treatment effectively eliminates the bacteria. A number of options are available for relieving symptoms until the antibiotics are effective.

Important Note. It should be stressed that all of these drugs discussed below treat only symptoms and are not cures. They should never be used to replace antibiotics.

Phenazopyridine

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Phenazopyridine (Pyridium, Uristat, Barodium, Eridium, AZO Standard) relieves pain and burning caused by the infection. It should not be taken for more than two days and should be discontinued when symptoms are relieved. It is important to stress that this drug only relieves symptoms. It is not a cure.

Side effects include headache and stomach distress. The drug turns urine a red or orange color, which can stain fabric and be difficult to remove. In rare cases, it can cause serious side effects, including shortness of breath, a bluish skin, a sudden reduction in urine output, shortness of breath, and confusion. In such cases, patients should call the doctor immediately.

Antispasm Agents

Methenamine (Atrosept, Prosed, Urised) or flavoxate (Urispas) reduce bladder spasms, which may occur with some UTIs. These agents can have severe side effects, however, that the patient should discuss with the doctor.