Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a very common type of infection, one of the most commonly treated in New Zealand. While UTIs are often minor, they can cause some pretty significant discomfort while they’re happening, and they can progress into more serious issues if left untreated.
Luckily, urinary tract infection antibiotics are effective, easily accessible, and work quickly to provide relief. But which is the best one for you, and how can you access them?
Today, we’re exploring what UTIs are, how antibiotics treat them, and the most commonly prescribed options available in NZ.
What is a Urinary Tract Infection (UIT)?
Urinary tract infections happen when harmful bacteria get into the urinary tract, usually through the urethra. These bacteria start to multiply in the bladder and can affect different parts of the urinary system, including the bladder, the urethra, or even the kidneys (a more severe infection known as pyelonephritis).
Some of the most common symptoms of a UTI include:
- A strong and persistent urge to urinate.
- A burning sensation while urinating.
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine.
- Pain or discomfort in your pelvic region.
- Passing small amounts of urine often, rather than all at once.
While these infections are common and easy to treat with urinary tract antibiotics, they can progress into more serious issues if you don’t get them seen to. Serious kidney infections are a complication that can arise from untreated or complex UTIs, so it’s important to spot a UTI early and see your local pharmacy about next steps.
How Antibiotics Treat a UTI
Urinary tract antibiotics are prescribed to target and kill the bacteria responsible for the infection. Most of the time, the bacteria responsible will be Escherichia coli (E. coli), which is naturally found in the gut, and can cross-contaminate from faeces or other sources.
Antibiotics, when taken as prescribed, work to quickly kill off excess bacteria and relieve symptoms in just a few days, rather than allowing the infection to progress.
How well urinary tract infection antibiotics work will depend on a few factors, including the type of bacteria causing the infection, whether the bacteria are resistant to specific antibiotics, and any other complicating health conditions you might have (pregnancy or recurring infections).
This is why it’s vital to speak to a pharmacist or GP before starting treatment for your UTI, or taking any kind of antibiotic.
Most Common Urinary Tract Infection Antibiotics
In Aotearoa, the most common urinary tract infection antibiotics prescribed or provided for uncomplicated UTIs include:
Nitrofurantoin
Often considered a first-line treatment, nitrofurantoin is particularly effective for lower urinary tract infections (like bladder infections). It concentrates in the urine, which helps it fight bacteria in the bladder more effectively. These must be taken multiple times a day, so it’s important not to miss a dose.
Trimethoprim
Another widely used option, trimethoprim, works by stopping bacterial DNA production. It’s often available as a once-daily dose, making it convenient and easy to stay on course.
Cefalexin
Cefalexin (also spelt cephalexin) is a type of cephalosporin antibiotic used for a range of bacterial infections, including UTIs. It’s often prescribed when other treatments are unsuitable because of allergies or antibiotic resistance. These can impact your gut bacteria more significantly, which may result in uncomfortable gastrointestinal side effects for some individuals.
Your pharmacist or GP will recommend which antibiotic is best for you based on your health history and the symptoms of your infection. Everyone is unique, and antibiotics should always be taken on a full course to avoid negative consequences, so it’s very important not to take antibiotics from someone else’s dose or use up any you might still have in your medicine cabinet.
What Can You Do if You Think You Have a UTI?
If you suspect you need urinary tract infection antibiotics, many pharmacists, including the team at Life Pharmacy, can provide nitrofurantoin and trimethoprim without a prescription. These urinary tract infection antibiotics are only accessible over the counter once you have a quick consultation with your pharmacist, and as long as you are not pregnant or do not have any complicating factors to your infection.
Once you start taking antibiotics, here are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Always finish the full course of urinary tract antibiotics. Stopping before the full course is completed can create ‘antibiotic resistance’, which is when your body doesn’t respond to antibiotics as well.
2. Drink a lot of water. Staying hydrated helps flush out bacteria and keep antibiotics working effectively.
3. Eat plenty of fibre. This helps prevent constipation caused by the antibiotics.
4. Take paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain. Pain is common with UTIs, and taking pain relief with antibiotics is a good way to manage the symptoms.Ural is also commonly given for a UTI, often to neutralise acidic and reduce pain
A final note: If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, experiencing a fever or chills, have had more than three UTIs in the past month, or you have diabetes, head straight to your GP for help with your UTI, as these are more complex infections.
Concerned about a UTI? Come to Life Pharmacy.
The Life Pharmacy team is here to help you feel better, sooner. Our qualified pharmacists are ready to discuss your symptoms and suggest the best next steps for you, including providing urinary tract infection antibiotics for uncomplicated infections.
If you think you might have a UTI, walk in or book now to come and see us, and we’ll get you feeling better as soon as possible.
