Antibiotics for Bladder Infection

Cases of bladder infection are more common in women than men. The treatment demands awareness of the various symptoms of the infection and hasty medical treatment. The treatment of this medical disorder is done with the use of antibiotics. One important thing to be kept in mind is that, the use of antibiotics for bladder infection is determined by a doctor in case the person has pre-existing disorders like diabetes, weak immune system or a structural abnormality. This is because, having such conditions may make them worse with the administration of antibiotics.

Antibiotics Used for Bladder Infection

The commonly known antibiotics prescribed for bladder infection include:

• Amoxicillin or Augmentin
• Cephalosporins
• Doripenem
• Doxycycline
• Nitrofurantoin
• Sulfa drugs(sulfonamides)
• Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole
• Quinolones

Other antibiotics are:

• Bacampicillin
• Ceclor
• Ceftin
• Cipro
• Cephalexin
• Cloxacillin
• Floxin
• Fosfomycin
• Fortaz
• Furadantin
• Gantrisin
• Keflex
• Keftab
• Levaquin
• Maxaquin
• Macrobid
• Macrodantin
• Noroxin
• Nitrofurantoin
• Primsol Solution
• Proloprim
• Proquin XR
• Raniclor
• Sumycin suspension
• Sulfisoxazole
• Suprax
• Tequin
• Trimox
• Tazicef
• Geocillin
• Vantin
• Zinacef

Some of these antibiotics work by curbing the reproduction of bacteria responsible for causing the infection. Others affect the ability of bacteria to produce a cell wall around the cell, and some of them prevent cells from turning glucose into energy. Their administration is not meant for self-medication purposes as they might not suit every person suffering from such an infection. Best antibiotics for bladder infection are the ones that are administered depending upon the severity of the infection and the person's age and overall health.

Prevention of Bladder Infection

# Contamination of the urinary tract is the main cause of bladder infection. 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 go for your needs (urinate). Emptying the bladder completely is the first thing that should be done after getting up in the morning. It is also a good practice to urinate after sexual activity.

# 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.

# Maintaining a high water level in the body also helps in preventing as well as treating bladder infection. Drinking plenty of water increases frequency of urination, and this activity flushes out harmful bacteria responsible for causing the infection. Water also plays an important role in transporting or carrying cells of the immune system to the infected area of the body and fight off the infection.

# Apart from using medications, drinking cranberry juice is also an effective treatment for the condition. The juice produces hippuric acid, and this substance increases the acidity level in the urine. The acidity level in the urine keeps bacteria from attaching to the bladder and colonizing thus, preventing the germs from multiplying to create or spread further infection. One should refrain from consumption of alcohol and caffeine, as these fluids cause irritation in the bladder, and may worsen the condition.

Antibiotics are given to patients suffering from bladder infection depending upon the complexity of the infection, whether it is a mild or a stubborn one. For a mild bladder infection, oral antibiotics are recommended for about 3 days and in case of a severe one, the medication may continue for 7 - 10 days. In case of men, the same treatment may extend up to weeks.