7 Best Medications to Treat a UTI

Symptoms such as burning during urination, feeling like you need to urinate when your bladder is empty, blood in urine, cramping in the lower abdomen or groin, low back pain, and an urgent need to urinate are all symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI).

UTIs are caused by bacteria that get into your bladder, kidneys, and/or ureters. Although uncomfortable and disruptive, the majority of UTIs are easily treated with antibiotics.

Here is what to know about the 7 best medications to treat a UTI.

The Best Medications to Treat a UTI

The 7 best medications to treat a UTI are all antibiotics and include:

- Amoxicillin

- Cephalexin

- Ciprofloxacin

- Fosfomycin

- Levofloxacin

- Nitrofurantoin

- Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole

What are the best medications to treat a UTI?

UTIs are very common bacterial infections. That means the best medications to treat them are antibiotics.

Amoxicillin

[Amoxicillin][1] is a penicillin-type antibiotic, which stops the growth of bacteria. It is prescribed to treat UTIs and a variety of other bacterial infections.

Cephalexin

[Cephalexin][2] is also known by the brand name Keflex. It is a medication known as a cephalosporin antibiotic. It is prescribed to stop the growth of bacteria that is causing a UTI.

Ciprofloxacin

[Ciprofloxacin][3] is a quinolone antibiotic. It is the generic form of the brand Cipro. It may be prescribed to treat a urinary tract infection caused by bacteria.

Fosfomycin

Fosfomycin is the generic for [Monurol][4]. Fosfomycin is prescribed to treat bladder infections. It is not recommended for kidney infections.

Levofloxacin

[Levofloxacin][5] is the generic for the brand drug Levaquin. It is a quinolone antibiotic. Levofloxacin may be prescribed to treat a UTI.

Nitrofurantoin

[Nitrofurantoin][6] is commonly prescribed to treat urinary tract infections. It is an antibiotic that stops the growth of bacteria causing the infection.

Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole

[Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole][7] is generic for the brand drug Bactrim. It is a combination of two antibiotics. It is commonly prescribed to treat UTIs.

How much is UTI medicine without insurance?

Medicine to treat UTIs can be very affordable without insurance if you use a prescription drug [coupon from RxSaver][8]. Many antibiotics prescribed to treat urinary tract infections are less than $20 when you use an RxSaver coupon.

Medication	Lowest Price for Common Dosages*
[Amoxicillin][9]	$7.19
[Cephalexin][10]	$7.66
[Ciprofloxacin][11]	$50.17
[Fosfomycin][12]	$38.62
[Levofloxacin][13]	$11.73
[Nitrofurantoin][14]	$20.53
[Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole][15]	$7.98

[1]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/amoxicillin

[2]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/cephalexin

[3]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/ciprofloxacin-hcl

[4]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/monurol

[5]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/levofloxacin/coupons

[6]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/nitrofurantoin/coupons

[7]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim-ds

[8]: https://www.rxsaver.com/

[9]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/amoxicillin/coupons

[10]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/cephalexin/coupons

[11]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/ciprofloxacin/coupons

[12]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/fosfomycin-tromethamine/coupons

[13]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/levofloxacin/coupons

[14]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/nitrofurantoin/coupons

[15]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim-ds/coupons

Over-the-Counter Medications to Prevent UTI

Some over-the-counter medications may help prevent UTIs. However, once you have a urinary tract infection, it will require prescribed antibiotics to treat. OTC medications that may help to prevent UTIs, or may help with symptoms of a UTI include:

Probiotics
Vitamin C
Cranberry supplements

Before taking any new over-the-counter vitamins or supplements be sure to speak with your health care provider.

Tips for Preventing UTIs

In addition to OTC vitamins or supplements, good hygiene habits can help prevent a UTI. So be sure to:

Drink plenty of water
Urinate after sexual activity
Take showers instead of baths
Wipe from front to back
Avoid or minimize the use of sprays and powders in the genital region

Use RxSaver Card to Compare Prices

When shopping for OTC medications, including vitamins and supplements, you can have your health care provider write you a prescription for them. If you are prescribed OTC medications, you may be able to save money by using a free RxSaver card. The price of your OTC medication may be cheaper using the RxSaver card than the sticker price on the medicine.

Always Talk to Your Health Care Provider

It is very important that you see your health care provider if you have symptoms of a UTI. According to the CDC, anyone can get a UTI, but they are more common in women and girls. To confirm a UTI, your health care provider will ask about symptoms, perform a physical examination, and may order urine tests.

Though most infections are successfully treated outside of a hospital with antibiotics, a severe UTI may need more aggressive treatment in a hospital setting. Contact your health care provider at the first sign of a UTI.

Amoxicillin: 500 mg / 30 capsules Cephalexin: 500 mg / 30 capsules Ciprofloxacin: 0.2 % / 14 droperettes Fosfomycin: 3 g / 1 packet Levofloxacin: 500 mg / 30 tablets Nitrofurantoin: 100 mg / 30 capsules Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole: 800-160 mg / 30 tablets

*Lowest online price at national pharmacy chains Costco, CVS, RiteAid, Walgreens and Walmart as of 1/20/2021. Prices vary by location and pharmacy, see RxSaver.com for actual pricing in your area.