Bactrim, a combination of two antibiotics, sulfamethoxazole, and trimethoprim, was once the first choice for treating urinary tract infections (UTIs). However, every antibiotic has a finite number of times it can be used effectively before bacteria develop resistance.
Bactrim for UTIs
Bactrim is approaching its limit. This is a serious concern, as according to Harvard Medical School, one in three urinary tract infections in healthy young women is now resistant to this antibiotic.
When an antibiotic kills bacteria, some bacteria evolve immunity to it. Over time, these resistant bacteria become common enough to cause a significant percentage of infections. This underscores the importance of responsible antibiotic use. Therefore, it’s crucial that doctors do not prescribe antibiotics for colds and other viral illnesses for which antibiotics are not indicated.
A wide array of antibiotics is available for treating urinary tract infections. Choosing the best drug involves obtaining a urine sample, growing bacteria from it, and testing various antibiotics to determine which one(s) are most effective.
Some antibiotics commonly prescribed for urinary tract infections are:
Beta-lactams
- Amoxicillin
- Augmentin
- Keflex
- Duricef
- Ceftin
- Lorabid
- Rocephin
- Cephalexin
- Suprax
Fluoroquinolones
- Cipro
- Levaquin
- Floxin
Tetracyclines
- Doxycycline
- Minocycline
Aminoglycosides
- Gentamycin
- Amikacin
- Tobramycin
Macrolides
- Clarithromycin
- Azithromycin
- Erythromycin
Other
- Fosfomycin
Did you know? QuickMD can treat your urinary tract infection from the comfort of your own home and prescribe antibiotics online. This convenient service ensures you can receive the care you need without the hassle of a traditional doctor’s visit.
