Treatment FAQ

which antibiotic for uti treatment in pregnancy

by Prof. Kaylah Moore Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

What is the best medicine for UTI while pregnant?

Antibiotic Pregnancy category Dosage
Cephalexin (Keflex) B 250 mg two or four times daily
Erythromycin B 250 to 500 mg four times daily
Nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin) B 50 to 100 mg four times daily
Sulfisoxazole (Gantrisin) C* 1 g four times daily
May 7 2022

Oral nitrofurantoin and cephalexin are good antibiotic choices for treatment in pregnant women with asymptomatic bacteriuria and acute cystitis, but parenteral antibiotic therapy may be required in women with pyelonephritis.Feb 1, 2000

Full Answer

When should UTI not be treated with antibiotics?

symptoms attributable to a urinary tract infection, patients with a positive urine culture and/or pyuria should not be treated with antibiotics irrespective of high bacterial colony count, or a multi-drug resistant organism Treatment of Uncomplicated Lower HMS recommendation of antibiotic treatment and duration

What are the safest antibiotics for UTI?

Your healthcare provider may consider several factors, like:

  • The severity of your UTI symptoms
  • Your medical history, including allergies
  • Your medication history and any antibiotics you’ve taken recently
  • A urine culture to find out exactly what type of bacteria are causing your UTI

Are antibiotics the only cure for an uti?

Though antibiotics are often the most effective treatment option, some studies have shown that about 40% of episodes of UTI can be cleared by only using ibuprofen to treat symptoms, Scott said. There is some risk of developing a kidney infection when not treating the bacteria.

When should I take antibiotics for UTI?

UTI can last even after symptoms are gone, so you need to finish your entire course of antibiotics. For most cases of uncomplicated urinary tract infections ( UTIs ), you will need to take a 3-day course of antibiotics and make sure to stay hydrated. Some infections, however, may require longer treatment for up to 7-10 days.

image

What antibiotics are safe during pregnancy for UTI?

During pregnancy, you may be screened for urinary tract infections (UTIs). Even if you don't have symptoms, you'll likely be prescribed an antibiotic to treat it. Amoxicillin and cephalexin (Keflex) are usually the first-choice antibiotics for a UTI during pregnancy.

What is first line treatment for UTI in pregnancy?

Table IIAsymptomatic bacteriuriaFirst line treatmentAmoxicillin 500 mg every 8–12 h – for 3–7 daysCephalexin 500 mg every 12/6 h – for 3–7 daysFDA cat. BAmoxicillin/clavulanic acid 500 mg every 12 h – for 3–7 daysNitrofurantoin 100 mg every 12 h – for 5–7 days*4 more rows

Is it OK to take antibiotics for UTI while pregnant?

Some antibiotic treatments for urinary tract infections (UTIs), such as nitrofurantoin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, have been linked to birth defects. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends avoiding these antibiotic treatments in early pregnancy if possible.

Is ciprofloxacin safe in pregnancy?

Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) and levofloxacin are also types of antibiotics. These drugs could cause problems with the baby's muscle and skeletal growth as well as joint pain and potential nerve damage in the mother.

Can I take Cefalexin when pregnant?

Pregnancy and breastfeeding It's usually safe to take cefalexin during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

What is the safest antibiotic during pregnancy?

Here's a sampling of antibiotics generally considered safe during pregnancy:Penicillins, including amoxicillin (Amoxil, Larotid) and ampicillin.Cephalosporins, including cefaclor and cephalexin (Keflex)Clindamycin (Cleocin, Clinda-Derm, Clindagel)

Is Augmentin safe for pregnancy?

The FDA requires a relatively large amount of high-quality data on a medication for a drug to be classified within Pregnancy Category A, and it is common for pregnant women to safely take Category B medications, such as Augmentin.

Is metronidazole 500mg safe during pregnancy?

Conclusion: During pregnancy, treating bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis with metronidazole is effective and offers no teratogen risk. Benefit of metronidazole in the reduction of preterm birth was demonstrated for the combination of this medication with other antibiotics.

What is the best treatment for urinary tract infections during pregnancy?

Treatments for urinary tract infections during pregnancy include antibiotic medications to battle the bacteria and increased hygiene for prevention.

What is UTI during pregnancy?

Treating UTIs During Pregnancy. Tweet. A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that can occur in any part of the urinary system, including the urethra, bladder, ureters or kidneys.

Why are women more susceptible to UTIs?

Because women have a shorter urethra and because their urethra is in close proximity to the anus, they are more susceptible to UTIs. During pregnancy, as hormone fluctuations and an expanding uterus cause changes to the urinary tract, their risk of developing a UTI is even higher.

Is nitrofurantoin safe for kidneys?

Nitrofurantoin has a number of drug interactions and is not recommended for patients receiving treatment for kidney disease. Side effects include upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, mild diarrhea, vaginal itching or discharge, and brownish urine.

Does drinking water help with UTIs?

Stagnant urine allows concentrated populations of bacteria to multiply and cause a urinary tract infection. Drinking plenty of water can not only prevent UTIs but can help treat them, as it increases urine volume and allows the body to flush out harmful bacteria.

How are UTIs viewed?

The risks of UTIs were viewed in terms of how the infection could impact the mother’s health e.g. developing a kidney infection, and the risks to the pregnancy in terms of effects on the foetus e.g. pre-term birth or miscarriage. The majority of discussions, however, focused on the impact on the foetus.

Why should I be wary of antibiotics?

Personally I would be wary of it [antibiotic] because there is a link between taking antibiotics in late stage pregnancy and the baby having eczema and allergies. I took antibiotics in late pregnancy and my daughter has multiple food allergies and eczema (Tania).

Can antibiotics be used during pregnancy?

Antibiotics are standard treatment for asymptomatic and symptomatic urinary tract infections (UTIs) in pregnancy. Their overuse, however, can contribute to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and expose the foetus to drugs that might affect its development. Preventative behaviours are currently the best option to reduce incidences of UTIs and to avoid the use of antibiotics in pregnancy. The aim of this study was to explore women’s experiences of UTIs in pregnancy to develop an understanding of their concerns and to optimise and encourage behaviours that facilitate appropriate use of antibiotics.

Can UTIs cause kidney damage?

Untreated UTIs can lead to permanent kidney damage for you and premature labour. I’m not trying to scare you and I’m sure you’ll be fine but could you get in touch with your MW [midwife] and get their opinion. (Jane).

Can antibiotics cause early labour?

I’m surprised they haven’t given you any antibiotics straight away as it can cause early labour or a small baby if left untreated. Mine’s been in my kidneys, the pain has been horrendous. Don’t suffer if you need to ring and ask for antibiotics. (Aria).

Is it safe to take antibiotics?

In spite of these concerns, which were expressed by only a small proportion of women, most considered antibiotics to be generally safe.

Can pregnancy cause UTIs?

Pregnancy can increase the susceptibility of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women because of physiological changes [1]. The vast majority of primary care antibiotic prescriptions issued to pregnant women in the UK are for UTIs [2] which suggests a high prevalence. Evidence from studies shows that asymptomatic infection alone can affect 2–12% of women [3]. The current management of UTIs in pregnancy is with a short course of antibiotics whether or not the infection is symptomatic. Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) is diagnosed and treated through routine screening during the first trimester [4] which is in contrast to non-pregnant women where asymptomatic infections are not treated with antibiotics [5]. ASB is treated in pregnancy because studies have shown that bacterial colonisation of the urinary tract in pregnancy can cause adverse health outcomes e.g. there are risks of kidney infection, intra-uterine growth retardation and pre-term birth [6, 7]. The authors of a recent randomised control trial however have questioned the benefit of routine screening for ASB in the first trimester of pregnancy [8]. Kazemier et al. (2015) [8] found no association between ASB and growth retardation or pre-term birth and although an association was observed between ASB and kidney infection, the absolute risk was found to be low.

What is the incidence of UTI in pregnancy?

Urinary tract infection (UTI) in pregnancy has three principal presentations; asymptomatic bacteriuria, acute cystitis and pyelonephritis. In pregnancy, the overall incidence of UTI is approximately 8%, but around 30% of women with ASB will develop acute cystitis during their pregnancy. All are amenable to investigation and treatment, substantially improving outcome.

Why should pregnant women be screened for asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB)?

Pregnant women should be screened for asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) by urine culture and treated with appropriate antimicrobials because ASB is a known risk factor for developing pyelonephritis and proceeding to premature delivery.

Can dipsticks be used for UTI?

This guideline is for pregnant women presenting with cystitis who are apyrexial and have lower urinary tract symptoms of recent onset only. Dipsticks have no role in the diagnosis of UTI – all pregnant women with suspected UTI should have an MSU sent.

Is trimethoprim contraindicated in the 2nd trimester?

Trimethoprim is not contraindicated in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy, if required on the basis of sensitivity results. Women in the 1st trimester should not routinely be given trimethoprim unless on the advice of a Consultant Obstetrician, as it is a folate antagonist.

Is pyelonephritis more common in the 2nd trimester?

Pyelonephritis is more common in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy, and in women with history of asymptomatic bacteriuria, recurrent UTI or previous pyelonephritis. Urinalysis to check for pyuria may be useful in determining differential diagnoses, but should not be used as a positive diagnostic test. The risks of preterm labour increase significantly during an episode of acute pyelonephritis .

What is the best treatment for a UTI?

Infections in the lower urinary tract are typically treated with oral medication (capsules, tablets, powders), while upper-tract UTIs usually merit intravenous (IV) antibiotics.

How to stop a UTI?

To stop a UTI, you need to stop the bacteria. It’s not as straightforward as it sounds due to the myriad types of bacteria that may be to blame for the average UTI, and there is no one-size-fits-all antibiotic treatment for a UTI. In fact, physicians have an assortment of antibiotics at their disposal.

What Are the Most Common UTI Symptoms?

Frequent and painful urination are two of the most well-known symptoms of a UTI, but they aren’t the only ones. (It’s also possible, but uncommon, to experience no symptoms at all.) In general, the symptoms of a UTI vary according to what part of your urinary tract is affected.

How Are Most UTIs Diagnosed?

There are several ways that your physician can diagnose a UTI. To provide the best antibiotic treatment for UTI, he or she needs to determine the location of the infection and whether your UTI is complicated. He or she also needs to rule out other conditions that present similarly to UTI, such as vaginitis or certain sexually transmitted diseases.

Is There Any Other Way To Prevent a UTI?

While there’s no foolproof way to ensure you never have a UTI, there are strategies and behaviors that may lower your risk:

How many people get UTIs?

Each year, health care professionals treat over 8 million people with urinary tract infections (UTI). Although viral and fungal UTIs are possible, UTI’s most commonly occur when bacteria infiltrate the bladder via the urethra, the small tube that takes urine from the bladder to its exit.

Can UTIs be fatal?

Upper-tract UTIs can be fatal when ignored, as the bacteria present may enter the bloodstream, causing urosepsis. Urosepsis can lead to shock, an extreme drop in blood pressure and, in some instances, death.

What is a UTI in pregnancy?

You can treat a UTI while pregnant without antibiotics by staying hydrated, drinking cranberry juice, and consuming ascorbic acid.

Why do women get UTIs during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, changes in the mother’s body and urinary tract increase their risk of infection. Dilation of the ureters and other structures occur as the baby grows within the uterus. Hormonal changes can during this time can also make women more prone to UTIs. Typical UTI symptoms include:

How to treat a UTI at home?

These include adequate hydration, use of a heating pad, taking probiotics, vitamin C and cranberry juice.

What is the UTI in the urinary tract?

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of the bladder, kidneys, ureters, or urethra. E. coli, a type of bacteria that lives in the bowel and near the anus, causes most UTIs. UTI symptoms include pain, abdominal pain, mild fever, urinary urgency and frequency.

How to flush out bacteria in the urinary tract?

Studies show that drinking water and staying hydrated can help flush out bacteria and infection from the urinary tract.

Why are researchers looking for alternative treatments for UTIs?

Because of growing concern for antibiotic resistance, researchers are looking for alternative treatments for UTIs.

Does cranberry juice help with pregnancy?

Research shows that cranberry juice does not put the mother and baby at risk when consumed during pregnancy.

image
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9