A urinary tract infection (UTI) can affect any area of your urinary system, such as your bladder, urethra, kidneys, or ureters.
Most infections occur in the lower urinary system – specifically your bladder and urethra.
What Causes a UTI?
Urinary tract infections are caused when germs enter the urinary system through the urethra. If the bacteria makes it into the bladder, it can cause a UTI, especially if you take no preventative treatment.
Because their urethras are shorter, women are more likely to get UTIs.
Urinary Tract Infection Treatment
An antibiotic is the most effective treatment for cystitis. Which antibiotic you are prescribed will be determined by the severity of your infection, as well as other elements such as:
- Negative reactions to prior antibiotic therapies
- Age
- Allergies
- Pregnancy
Your physician will need to discover the kind of bacteria causing your UTI before giving you an antibiotic for it.
A urine sample may be required to confirm which bacteria is causing your condition. An analysis of the cultivation of bacteria in a laboratory will discover which bacteria is causing you problems. Your doctor will then be able to choose which antibiotic to prescribe you.
Trimethoprim
Trimethoprim is a popular and efficient antibiotic for UTIs. Trimethoprim is a type of antimicrobial that combats bacterial development.
It works the same as Nitrofurantoin by inhibiting bacteria growth allowing your immune system to battle the infection.
Trimethoprim is a good treatment for cystitis. In clinical trials, Trimethoprim has taken only a few hours to work. It may help you feel better fast by reducing your UTI symptoms within 24 hours.
How to use Trimethoprim
Trimethoprim should be taken intact, with or without food. It is effective against both short- and long-term urinary tract infections.
Trimethoprim is a three-day course. Take one tablet twice daily, ideally at the same time to make remembering easier.
Even though your symptoms have vanished, don’t cease taking Trimethoprim. Completing the course guarantees that your urinary tract infection will not return.
Don’t be concerned if you missed a dose. Take a tablet as soon as possible. If your next dose is fast approaching, don’t take the forgotten one. Never take two tablets to make up for a missed one.
Side effects of Trimethoprim
Trimethoprim, like other UTI medicines, has the potential for unwanted side effects. The following are some of the most frequent:
- Diarrhoea
- Anaemia
- Sore throat
- Skin rashes
- Loss of appetite
Trimethoprim can cause dizziness, vertigo, jaundice, and mouth ulcers in some women. Most of these adverse effects are minor and disappear after your cystitis therapy. If you get these symptoms after completing your Trimethoprim course, see your doctor as soon as possible.
If you’re taking other medicines, talk to your doctor. If you’re breastfeeding, pregnant, or allergic to the components of this UTI treatment, your doctor may not suggest Trimethoprim.
Where can you get Trimethoprim?
UTIs are a common infection, especially in women. If you have a UTI and don’t want to go to the doctor, you can try treating it with over-the-counter antibiotics.
There are many different types of antibiotics available, so you should be able to find one that works for you. Be sure to complete the course prescribed, even if your symptoms end.
Drink plenty of fluids to help flush the infection out of your system. If symptoms persist after a few days of treatment, or if your symptoms worsen, seek advice from your local doctor.
