The most common cause of a urinary tract infection (UTI) is bacteria, which can be treated with antibiotics. The most effective treatment is usually doxycycline, which is part of the tetracycline family. It’s an antibiotic that can be taken orally and comes in both generic and brand-name forms. The medication can also be found in other forms, such as creams and lotions.
The drug works by preventing bacteria from growing and dividing, which allows the body’s immune system to kill the germs. It takes about 24 to 48 hours for doxycycline to start working on UTIs, and patients will typically notice their symptoms go away within that time frame. However, it’s important for patients to continue taking the full course of antibiotics, even if they feel better. Stopping early can result in the emergence of resistant bacteria and may cause the infection to come back.
Other medications can also be used to treat UTIs, including trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX). This combination medication inhibits bacterial growth by blocking two crucial steps in the bacteria’s protein creation process. It’s commonly prescribed as a first-line treatment for uncomplicated UTIs.
It’s always best to get a prescription for any antibiotic before attempting to buy it over-the-counter. Purchasing the medication without a doctor’s permission could lead to antibiotic resistance and could make the infection harder to treat in the future. It’s also not recommended to take over-the-counter medications that claim to clear infections, as they are likely not real antibiotics and can be dangerous.