This article gives you a list of the various antibiotics used to treat bladder infections. The same also outlines a few tips on how to prevent this infection.
Bladder infections can be painful and annoying. Their main symptoms include a burning sensation when urinating, frequent urges to urinate, abdominal cramps, and cloudy and strong-smelling urine. Women are more affected by these infections than men. As annoying as bladder infections may be, they can be easily cleared up if treated early. People who keep getting these infections may be at risk of kidney infection. Such cases, however, are rare. Depending on how severe a bladder infection is, its causal pathogen, and the health of the affected person, antibiotics are recommended for the treatment.
*This information should NOT, in any way, substitute or be used in place of, the advice of a qualified medical practitioner. The same is intended only for educational purposes.
Antibiotics Prescribed for Bladder Infections
The following gives you the generic names of antibiotics commonly prescribed for the treatment of bladder infections. These drugs are available only with a doctor’s prescription. Some of the side effects caused by these drugs have also been mentioned below.
Brand Name – Cipro
Side Effects:
Brand Name – Levaquin
Side Effects:
Brand Name – Furadantin
Side Effects:
Brand Name – Bactrim
Side Effects:
Brand Name – Amoxicot
Side Effects:
Brand Name – Principen
Side Effects:
Other Antibiotics
Other antibiotics which may be used in the treatment of bladder infections may include the following:
How Can You Prevent Bladder Infections
☛ Contamination of the urinary tract increases the likelihood of bladder infections. So, it is necessary to keep the vaginal area clean and dry after bowel movement, bathing or any activities that involve water or moisture. It is also not recommended to use any kind of feminine hygiene sprays or powders in the genital area.
☛ Do not wait too long after you feel the urge to urinate. Doctors also advise urinating soon after intercourse.
☛ Keep the crotch dry and prevent it from getting moist by wearing loose cotton briefs and non-binding clothes. Such clothes discourage the growth of bacteria by allowing air to circulate and preventing warm and moist conditions.
☛ Drinking plenty of water increases frequency of urination, and this helps flush out harmful bacteria responsible for causing the infection. Water also plays an important role in transporting cells of the immune system to the infected site and fight off the infection.
☛ Drinking cranberry juice may help manage the symptoms of a bladder infection. The juice produces hippuric acid, which increases the acidity level in the urine. This keeps bacteria from attaching to the bladder and colonizing, so that they cannot multiply to cause or spread further infection. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as such beverages may irritate the bladder, and worsen the condition.
For a simple bladder infection in women, antibiotics may be recommended for about 3 days and in case of a severe one, the medication may continue for 7-14 days.
