- Several types of antibiotics are prescribed for treating urinary tract infections. First, there's trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, though it usually goes by the brand names Bactrim, Cotrim or Septra. Another is called amoxicillin, also known as Trimox, Amoxil or Wymoxs. Trimethoprim or Trimpex is sometimes prescribed for UTIs as well. It's effective in killing bacteria and encouraging the body to flush them from the system. Quinolones are a relatively newer category of antibiotics approved by the FDA for treating urinary tract infections and include norfloxacin or Noroxin, ofloxacin or Floxin, trovafloxin or Trovan and ciprofloxacin or Cipro. Nitrofurantoin, also known as Macrodantin and Furadantin, is an antibiotic that blocks bacterial chemical processes, effectively killing the bacteria. Ampicillin goes by the brand names of Polycillin, Principen, Omnipen and Totacillin and is a type of penicillin antibiotic.
- Generally, antibiotics kill bacteria and help eliminate them from the body. Some drugs have a specific way of working, however. The drug class called quinolones, works to prevent proteins that bacteria need from being produced. Nitrofurantoin works by blocking the chemical processes that feed bacteria, effectively killing them.
- Antibiotics for urinary tract infections tend to work quickly in the body. You will likely notice relief in symptoms after a few doses. However, it's important to finish your entire prescription, which can last between five to 10 days. If you quit taking the antibiotic before your prescription runs out, you run the risk of a resurgence of the infection and making your body resistant to that particular antibiotic.
- No two antibiotics are the same, but many share several of the side effects. Common side effects include fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, fever, tongue swelling, change of taste, black tongue, thrush or vaginal itching.
- In some cases, taking antibiotics may cause serious side effects or reactions that require immediate medical attention. If you notice rashes, itching, sensitivity to sunlight, dizziness, joint pain, seizures, jaundice, blocked urination, numbness, sore throat, flu-like symptoms, blistering, bruising, shortness of breath, confusion, headache, vision problems, chills, odd behavior or irritability, seek help right away.
