Key takeaways
- Azithromycin is a type of antibiotic that can fight several different bacteria, but it isn’t commonly prescribed for urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- Most UTIs are caused by E. coli bacteria and are typically treated with antibiotics like nitrofurantoin, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, or amoxicillin clavulanate rather than azithromycin.
- Treatment for UTIs often includes antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare professional, plus over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers and home remedies like drinking plenty of water to help flush out the infection.
Overview
UTIs are very common infections in the part of your body responsible for urination, including your kidneys, bladder, and urethra, collectively known as the urinary tract. They cause various uncomfortable symptoms, including:
- bloody or cloudy urine
- increased urgency or frequency of urination
- a burning or stinging sensation
Because UTIs are most commonly caused by bacteria, they’re generally treated with antibiotics. Azithromycin is one kind of antibiotic. In rare cases, azithromycin may be used for UTIs, but it. is not commonly used for this purpose. There are other medications a doctor is likely to try first.
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Is azithromycin used for UTIs?
Azithromycin is a kind of antibiotic called a macrolide antimicrobial. This drug class can target a wide range of bacteria, and it’s commonly used for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is not the first-line choice for treating UTIs because most UTIs are caused by E. coli bacteria, which are not sexually transmitted or considered STIs.
Azithromycin works by blocking the bacteria from creating proteins that they need for survival, which can stop the bacteria from growing. This makes it easier for your immune system to fight the infection.
The medication is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat various conditions, including:
- ear infections
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- strep throat
- certain bacterial skin infections
- several STIs, including chlamydia
It’s also approved to treat urethritis caused by the sexually transmitted bacteria C. trachomatis or N. gonorrhoeae. Urethritis is a type of infection in your lower urinary tract. Although similar, urethritis isn’t considered a UTI.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), azithromycin helps treat this form of urethritis with one of two dosages:
- 1,000 milligrams (mg) in a single oral dose
- 500 mg orally, followed by 250 mg orally for the next 4 days
Like any medication, azithromycin can cause some adverse effects. These include:
- gastrointestinal effects like nausea or diarrhea
- effects on your liver, known as hepatotoxicity
- effects on your heart, known as QTc prolongation
- allergic reactions
If you notice any of these side effects, speak with a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
Other treatments for UTIs
Doctors generally prescribe antibiotics for treating UTIs. And to help soothe your symptoms, you can use over-the-counter (OTC) and home remedies.
Prescription UTI treatments
Some of the most common prescription antibiotics for treating UTIs include:
- nitrofurantoin (Macrobid)
- sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (Bactrim)
- amoxicillin clavulanate (Augmentin)
- ciprofloxacin (Ciloxan)
The length of time you’ll need to take antibiotics depends on individual factors and the type of antibiotic prescribed by the doctor. Treatment can last for as little as 3 days or may last for 1 to 2 weeks. But you may start to notice improvements within 48 hours.
OTC remedies
Some OTC medications may help ease your symptoms. You can use these while you’re waiting for the antibiotics to fight the infection. You may want to try OTC pain relievers, including:
Phenazopyridine (Uristat) is another OTC drug that can help manage your symptoms. It’s called a urinary analgesic, meaning it relieves pain when it passes through your urine when you go to the bathroom. It also helps lower the urgency and frequency of your pee.
You can take phenazopyridine three times daily for 2 days. You can take it for up to 5 days.
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You can also try some self-care remedies at home to help ease your symptoms while you recover.
Making sure to drink plenty of water is key to helping your recovery. Increasing your water intake will make you urinate more, which helps flush out the infection. UTIs may clear up on their own in around 20% of cases, particularly in people who increase their hydration.
Cranberry juice is another common home remedy that can help with UTI recovery. It’s a common belief that it can help reduce symptoms and even get rid of the infection, but evidence is mixed on this.
Drinking plenty of cranberry juice may simply work in the same way as drinking more water. It keeps you hydrated and helps you pee more, ultimately flushing out the infection. This may lead to a belief that cranberry juice is working, but it’s really just the extra hydration.
Online care for UTIs
While many UTIs may clear up on their own, seeking the proper treatment can help reduce healing time and prevent serious complications.
Online care services, including Optum Perks Online Care, may make getting treatment easier. With these services, you can submit an online form answering a few questions about your symptoms, and a US-licensed healthcare professional will respond soon after to prescribe a treatment plan.
Summary
UTIs are very common bacterial infections of the urinary tract, and antibiotics are the first-line treatment. While azithromycin is a common antibiotic, it’s not usually used to treat UTIs.
Azithromycin is a macrolide antimicrobial, and it’s most often used to treat respiratory infections, ear infections, and STIs.
Doctors may recommend azithromycin to treat a form of urethritis caused by sexually transmitted bacteria. But the majority of UTIs are caused by E. coli and are treated with other antibiotics.
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Disclaimer: While Optum Perks strives for factual, comprehensive, and current information, this article is not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional’s expertise. Always consult a doctor before taking or discontinuing any medication. Drug information is subject to change and may not cover all uses, directions, precautions, warnings, interactions, reactions, or adverse effects. The lack of a warning does not guarantee a drug’s safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for all patients or specific uses.