Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) and Bladder Infection (Cystitis) Medications

The urinary tract includes the bladder, ureters, urethra, and kidneys. When bacteria travel up the urethra, they can also reach the bladder or kidneys, causing infection. Bladder infection is called cystitis. In most cases, antibiotics are used.

Commonly prescribed antibiotics to treat bacterial urinary tract infections and bladder infections include

• Levaquin (levofloxacin),
• Cipro,
• Proquin (ciprofloxacin),
• Keflex (cephalexin),
• Zotrim,
• Bactrim (trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole),
• Macrobid,
• Furadantin (nitrofurantoin),
• Monurol (fosfomycin),
• Hiprex (methenamine hippurate),
• Trimpex,
• Proloprim,
• Primsol (trimethoprim), and
• NegGram (nalidixic acid).

Cystitis may also be treated with pain relievers such as Pyridium (phenazopyridine).

Side effects of antibiotics used to treat urinary tract infection and bladder infection include

• nausea,
• diarrhea,
• dizziness,
• lightheadedness,
• headache, or
• trouble sleeping.

Other severe and less common side effects include

• new signs of infection (for example, fever and persistent sore throat),
• eye pain,
• vision changes,
• mood changes,
• easy bruising/bleeding, and
• pain/numbness/burning/tingling/weakness in any part of the body.

Side effects of urinary tract and bladder infection pain relievers include

• headache,
• dizziness, or
• stomach upset.

Serious side effects include

• fever,
• yellowing skin or eyes,
• easy bruising or bleeding,
• dark or bloody urine,
• change in the amount of urine,
• abdominal pain,
• vomiting, chills,
• unusual tiredness,
• shortness of breath,
• fast heartbeat, and
• seizures.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Always consult your doctor if you are having unexplained symptoms or questions related to your medications. For more information about side effects of urinary tract infection and bladder infection medications, search for the drug and click on the drug's "Side Effects Center" on the top left side of the page.