UTI - Medication Overview

A urinary tract infection, or UTI for short, is a common condition that is characterized by an infection in the urinary system. Through Push Health, you can request a prescription for UTI treatment online and get the medications that you need conveniently and affordably.

Urinary Tract Infection - Symptoms

While some UTIs might present with no symptoms at all, most people who have a urinary tract infection do have symptoms. Symptoms of a UTI typically include burning or pain when urinating (dysuria), the feeling of the need to urinate (urgency), and the need to urinate often (frequency). UTIs are common and thought to affect 150 million people per year around the world.

UTI Prescription Options

Medications for UTI treatment are generally antibiotics and are available in a tablet, pill or liquid format. There are many types of antibiotics used to treat a UTI:

• Amoxicillin
• Ampicillin
• Ceftriaxone (Rocephin)
• Cephalexin (Keflex)
• Ciprofloxacin
• Fosfomycin (Monurol)
• Levofloxacin (Levaquin)
• Methenamine (Hiprex)
• Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid, Macrodantin)
• Trimethoprim / Sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim)

Antibiotics for UTIs - More Information

Trimethoprim / sulfamethoxazole, also known as Bactrim, is a common medication used to treat a UTI that is relatively inexpensive. Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) and levofloxacin (Levaquin) belong to a stronger class of antibiotics known as fluoroquinolones. Used in treating both UTIs and kidney infections, the stronger antibiotics are often reserved for more severe cases, especially given that they can cause significant side effects.

Nitrofurantoin is another antibiotic that can be useful in treating a urinary tract infection. Cephalexin is an antibiotic that is sometimes used for treating UTIs but there is often antibiotic resistance to it. Ceftriaxone, or Rocephin, and ampicillin are other antibiotics used to treat urinary tract infections but are used in a hospital setting.

UTI Medication - Effectiveness

Medications used to treat a UTI are highly effective when the appropriate medication is chosen and the antibiotics are used as prescribed. However, it is important to know that UTI medications do not work for everyone and that a urinary tract infection may not be completely treated if the medication course is not completed. At times, some medical providers feel that it is appropriate to prescribe medications like phenazopyridine (Pyridium) to try and help relieve some of the symptoms associated with having a UTI. Also, at times, people with a urinary tract infection experience severe nausea and vomiting, requiring additional medications (e.g. ondansetron).

Urinary Tract Infection Medications - Side Effects

All medication that provide treatment for UTIs can cause side effects. Depending on the medication used, side effects can range from stomach upset to nausea and vomiting, skin rashes and muscle pain. Like every medication, some people are also allergic to medications used in UTI treatment. Generally, side effects from any medication taken for a UTI will go away once the medication is discontinued but specific questions should be direct to one's medical provider and the pharmacist providing the UTI treatment.

UTI Symptoms - FAQ

A UTI, or urinary tract infection, is an infection of the urinary tract. Symptoms of a UTI are usually mild and may consist of an ongoing urge to urinate, cloudy or smelly urine, or pain / burning while urinating. Untreated, a UTI can progress into a kidney infection known as pyelonephritis. Kidney infections can be severe and result in back pain, stomach pain and vomiting and may require hospitalization.

UTI Prescriptions - Online

Because UTI treatments are typically prescription antibiotics, one cannot simply buy UTI medications such as Levaquin online. Rather, UTI medications need to be provided by a licensed pharmacy with a prescription for UTI medication from a licensed medical provider. Through Push Health, people with UTI symptoms can connect with medical providers who can provide a prescription for UTI medications when appropriate.

How to Get UTI Treatment with Push Health

1. Complete a brief health intake. Answer a few questions about your symptoms, how long you've had them, current medications, and whether you are pregnant or have any kidney disease or antibiotic allergies.
2. Connect with a licensed medical provider. A provider will review your information and evaluate whether antibiotic treatment is appropriate - and which antibiotic is the best fit for your situation. Same-day consultations are available.
3. Receive your prescription electronically. If antibiotics are appropriate, your provider will send a prescription to a pharmacy of your choice - no office visit required.
4. Pick up your medication same day. Most UTI antibiotics are very affordable - nitrofurantoin, Bactrim, and fosfomycin are all available at most pharmacies for under $25 for a standard course. No health insurance or subscription is required.

Medical providers are available now.