Cystitis is one of the most common urinary tract infections, and it is often uncomplicated.
Uncomplicated cystitis is usually limited to the bladder or lower urinary tract and is commonly caused by bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli).
Other organisms that can cause cystitis include Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Enterococcus faecalis and Streptococcus agalactiae. T
he symptoms of cystitis typically include local symptoms such as frequent, urgent and painful urination, but there are usually no fever or flank pain associated with it.
As a result, uncomplicated cystitis is often treated without urine cultures or sensitivities.
When treating uncomplicated cystitis, one of the most commonly used antibiotics is trimethoprim, which is available in a 100 mg tablet and is usually prescribed for three days.
Alternatively, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) is also used, which is available in a 160/800 mg tablet and is taken twice a day for three days.
However, if the resistance rate to these antibiotics is above 20%, or if the patient has taken either of these antibiotics in the last three months, then they should be avoided.
Nitrofurantoin is another common antibiotic that is used to treat cystitis, and it is available in a 100 mg capsule. It is usually prescribed for five days and is to be taken twice a day
. For those who cannot take one of the above antibiotics, beta-lactams such as amoxicillin-clavulanate (875/125 mg twice a day) or cephalexin (500 mg taken two to four times a day) may be prescribed for three to seven days. Ampicillin or amoxicillin monotherapy should be avoided due to lower efficacy rates.
Finally, fosfomycin (Monurol®) is also available in a 3 g single dose.
It is important to seek medical advice if you think you may have cystitis. Uncomplicated cystitis can be treated easily with antibiotics, but if left untreated, it can lead to more serious complications. Furthermore, if your symptoms persist even after completing your course of antibiotics, it is important to seek your doctors advice again to make sure there is no underlying cause for your symptoms.
