Consider Nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin, Macrobid) as a first-line treatment for uncomplicated UTIs. It’s well-tolerated and effective against many common UTI bacteria. However, it’s less effective against certain types of bacteria and may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with kidney issues.
Other Antibiotic Options
Your doctor might prescribe Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra) if Nitrofurantoin isn’t appropriate. This antibiotic also effectively treats many common UTI bacteria. However, resistance is increasing, so it’s crucial your doctor performs a urine culture to ensure it’s the right choice. Fosfomycin (Monurol) is another single-dose option that shows promise, but its effectiveness against some bacteria is limited.
Cephalexin (Keflex) is a cephalosporin antibiotic, sometimes used as an alternative. However, increasing resistance to this antibiotic in UTI bacteria necessitates a culture to confirm its suitability.
Always discuss antibiotic alternatives with your healthcare provider. They’ll consider factors like your medical history, the severity of your infection, and local antibiotic resistance patterns to choose the most appropriate treatment.
