Treatment algorithm

Please note that formulations/routes and doses may differ between drug names and brands, drug formularies, or locations. Treatment recommendations are specific to patient groups: see disclaimer

ACUTE

uncomplicated

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oral antibiotic therapy

Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) include acute cystitis occurring in otherwise healthy, nonpregnant women without functional or anatomic urinary tract abnormalities.

Empiric treatment with antibiotics should be guided by local bacterial susceptibilities and guidelines.[16][60]​ Consult your local protocol for guidance on selection of antibiotic regimen.​​

Nitrofurantoin is usually an effective first-line therapy for cystitis in most women.[1]​​​[63][64]​​​

Other recommended options include a single dose of fosfomycin, or a 3-day course of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole in areas where E coli resistance is less than 20%.[1]​​[64]​​​

Second-line options include an oral cephalosporin (e.g., cephalexin), an alternative beta-lactam (e.g., amoxicillin/clavulanate), or a short-course of a fluoroquinolone (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin).[1][16]​​​​[65]

Systemic fluoroquinolone antibiotics may cause serious, disabling, and potentially long-lasting or irreversible adverse events. This includes, but is not limited to: tendinopathy/tendon rupture; peripheral neuropathy; arthropathy/arthralgia; aortic aneurysm and dissection; heart valve regurgitation; dysglycemia; and central nervous system effects including seizures, depression, psychosis, and suicidal thoughts and behavior.[69] ​Prescribing restrictions apply to the use of fluoroquinolones, and these restrictions may vary between countries. In general, fluoroquinolones should be restricted for use in serious, life-threatening bacterial infections only. Some regulatory agencies may also recommend that they must only be used in situations where other antibiotics, that are commonly recommended for the infection, are inappropriate (e.g., resistance, contraindications, treatment failure, unavailability). Consult your local guidelines and drug information source for more information on suitability, contraindications, and precautions.

Primary options

nitrofurantoin: 100 mg orally (modified-release) twice daily for 5 days

OR

fosfomycin tromethamine: 3 g orally as a single dose

OR

sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim: 160 mg orally twice daily for 3 days

More

Secondary options

cephalexin: 500 mg orally twice to four times daily for 3-7 days

OR

amoxicillin/clavulanate: 500 mg orally twice daily for 3-7 days

More

OR

ciprofloxacin: 250 mg orally (immediate-release) twice daily for 3 days; 500 mg orally (extended-release) once daily for 3 days

OR

levofloxacin: 250 mg orally once daily for 3 days

complicated suitable for outpatient therapy: not pregnant

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oral antibiotic therapy

Complicated UTIs (cUTIs) include infections in patients with functional or structural impairments that reduce the efficacy of antimicrobial therapy. This may be abnormalities of the genitourinary tract or an underlying condition that interferes with host defense. The involvement of the kidneys (pyelonephritis) or UTI occurring in pregnancy are also considered complicated UTIs.

Urine culture and antimicrobial sensitivity is recommended, and the choice of treatment should be based on confirmed sensitivities. Women with a complicated UTI but mild symptoms may be considered for treatment on an outpatient basis. The optimal antimicrobial therapy for cUTI depends on the severity of illness at presentation, as well as local resistance patterns and specific host factors (e.g., allergies, chronic kidney disease).

Initial broad-spectrum empiric therapy should be followed by administration of an appropriate targeted antimicrobial agent on the basis of the isolated uropathogen once culture results are available.[73]

Outpatient options may include a cephalosporin (e.g., cefpodoxime) or a fluoroquinolone (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin), depending on local resistance. Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole may be considered as an outpatient option if local resistance is low in conjunction with an initial intravenous dose of a long-acting parenteral antimicrobial (e.g., ceftriaxone).[61][73]

Considering the current resistance percentages of amoxicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanate, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, these agents are not suitable for the treatment of all cUTIs. The same applies to ciprofloxacin and other fluoroquinolones in urologic patients, and/or if they have used fluoroquinolones within the past 6 months, or when local resistance is high. Fluoroquinolones should only be recommended as empiric treatment when the patient is not seriously ill and it is considered safe to start initial oral treatment, or if the patient has had an anaphylactic reaction to beta-lactams.[73]

Systemic fluoroquinolone antibiotics may cause serious, disabling, and potentially long-lasting or irreversible adverse events. This includes, but is not limited to: tendinopathy/tendon rupture; peripheral neuropathy; arthropathy/arthralgia; aortic aneurysm and dissection; heart valve regurgitation; dysglycemia; and central nervous system effects including seizures, depression, psychosis, and suicidal thoughts and behavior.[69] Prescribing restrictions apply to the use of fluoroquinolones, and these restrictions may vary between countries. In general, fluoroquinolones should be restricted for use in serious, life-threatening bacterial infections only. Some regulatory agencies may also recommend that they must only be used in situations where other antibiotics, that are commonly recommended for the infection, are inappropriate (e.g., resistance, contraindications, treatment failure, unavailability). Consult your local guidelines and drug information source for more information on suitability, contraindications, and precautions.

Longer courses of oral antibiotics are generally used, compared with uncomplicated UTI.[1]

Nonpregnant women with febrile UTI can be successfully treated with a 7-day course of appropriate antibiotics.[70]

When a UTI is present in a patient with a catheter or stent, catheter or stent change should be strongly considered.[1]

Consult your local protocol for guidance on selection of antibiotic regimen.

Primary options

ciprofloxacin: 500-750 mg orally twice daily for 5-7 days

OR

levofloxacin: 750 mg orally once daily for 5-7 days

OR

cefpodoxime proxetil: 200 mg orally twice daily for 10-14 days

Secondary options

sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim: 160 mg orally twice daily for 14 days

More

and

ceftriaxone: 1 g intravenously as a single dose at the start of treatment.

OR

amoxicillin/clavulanate: 875 mg orally twice daily for 10-14 days

More

complicated suitable for outpatient therapy: pregnant

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1st line – 

oral antibiotic therapy

Complicated UTIs include infections in patients with functional or structural impairments that reduce the efficacy of antimicrobial therapy. This may be abnormalities of the genitourinary tract or an underlying condition that interferes with host defense. The involvement of the kidneys (pyelonephritis) or UTI occurring in pregnancy are also considered complicated UTIs.

Pregnant women with mild symptoms can be treated on an outpatient basis.

Urine culture and antimicrobial sensitivity is recommended, and the choice of treatment should be based on confirmed sensitivities. Oral antibiotic options include cephalexin, nitrofurantoin, amoxicillin/clavulanate, or trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Penicillins, cephalosporins, and nitrofurantoin are considered to be safe in pregnancy; however, there are some data suggesting possible congenital anomalies associated with nitrofurantoin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (a sulfonamide) if used in the first trimester, but data is mixed and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) suggests that nitrofurantoin and sulfonamides are reasonable choices in the first trimester if no appropriate alternatives are available. ACOG also notes that nitrofurantoin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole can continue as first-line treatment for UTI in the second and third trimesters.[56]​ Nitrofurantoin is not recommended at term due to the risk of hemolytic anemia in the baby and should also be avoided in patients with known glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenate deficiency. There are risks of pulmonary and hepatic adverse drug reactions with nitrofurantoin and clinicians should be vigilant for signs and symptoms that may need further investigation.[75]

If empiric therapy is started before sensitivities are available the ACOG advise that amoxicillin is avoided due to high rates of resistance in Escherichia coli to these antibiotics in most areas.[56]

Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole should also be avoided before culture results are available in areas where resistance is known to be above 20%.[56]

When a UTI is present in a patient with a catheter or stent, catheter or stent change should be strongly considered.[1]

Empiric antibiotic treatment should be considered for acute cystitis in pregnancy, with a urine culture requested to confirm sensitivities.

There is insufficient evidence to guide management after acute cystitis treatment in pregnancy, but clinicians may consider repeating urine cultures 1-2 weeks after completion of treatment or evaluating only if symptoms recur.[56]

Targeted antibiotic treatment for 5-7 days should be considered for acute cystitis in pregnancy following a urine culture.[56]

Consult your local protocol for guidance on selection of antibiotic regimen.

Primary options

cephalexin: 250-500 mg orally four times daily for 5-7 days

Secondary options

nitrofurantoin: 100 mg orally (modified-release) twice daily for 5-7 days

OR

amoxicillin/clavulanate: 500 mg orally three times daily for 5-7 days; or 875 mg orally twice daily for 5-7 days

More

OR

sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim: 160 mg orally twice daily for 5-7 days

More

complicated requiring inpatient therapy: not pregnant

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intravenous antibiotic therapy

Hospitalization and parenteral antibiotics should be considered for women with fever, elevated WBC count, emesis, or volume depletion that are present in addition to typical UTI symptoms. When a UTI is present in a patient with a catheter or stent, catheter or stent change should be strongly considered.[1]

Parenteral antibiotics can be given until clinical improvement and then, as condition improves, equivalent oral antibiotics can be given for the remainder of the course.

Examples of suitable parenteral antibiotic regimens include an aminoglycoside (e.g., gentamicin) with or without ampicillin, an extended-spectrum cephalosporin (e.g., ceftriaxone) with or without gentamicin, an extended-spectrum penicillin (e.g., piperacillin/tazobactam), a fluoroquinolone (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin), or a carbapenem (e.g., meropenem).[1][61][74]​​​ Choice depends on local resistance data and susceptibility results. The European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines advise against use of a fluoroquinolone for urology inpatients, due to increased resistance.[1]

Systemic fluoroquinolone antibiotics may cause serious, disabling, and potentially long-lasting or irreversible adverse events. This includes, but is not limited to, tendinopathy/tendon rupture; peripheral neuropathy; arthropathy/arthralgia; aortic aneurysm and dissection; heart valve regurgitation; dysglycemia; and central nervous system effects including seizures, depression, psychosis, and suicidal thoughts and behavior.[69]​ Prescribing restrictions apply to the use of fluoroquinolones, and these restrictions may vary between countries. In general, fluoroquinolones should be restricted for use in serious, life-threatening bacterial infections only. Some regulatory agencies may also recommend that they must only be used in situations where other antibiotics, that are commonly recommended for the infection, are inappropriate (e.g., resistance, contraindications, treatment failure, unavailability). Consult your local guidelines and drug information source for more information on suitability, contraindications, and precautions.

Consult your local protocol for guidance on selection of antibiotic regimen.

Primary options

gentamicin: 5-7 mg/kg intravenously every 24 hours

More

OR

ceftriaxone: 1-2 g intravenously every 24 hours

OR

ampicillin: 1-2 g intravenously every 4-6 hours

and

gentamicin: 5-7 mg/kg intravenously every 24 hours

More

OR

ceftriaxone: 1-2 g intravenously every 24 hours

and

gentamicin: 5-7 mg/kg intravenously every 24 hours

More

OR

ciprofloxacin: 400 mg intravenously every 12 hours

OR

levofloxacin: 750 mg intravenously every 24 hours

OR

meropenem: 1 g intravenously every 8 hours

OR

piperacillin/tazobactam: 3.375 g intravenously every 6 hours

More
Back
Plus – 

definitive treatment of underlying abnormality

Treatment recommended for ALL patients in selected patient group

If the patient has hydronephrosis, then the etiology of the hydronephrosis should be evaluated and treated.

Likewise, if the patient has a renal abscess, this should be drained and treated.

complicated requiring inpatient therapy: pregnant

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1st line – 

alternative intravenous antibiotic therapy

Hospitalization and parenteral antibiotics should be considered for pregnant women with fever, elevated WBC count, emesis, or volume depletion that are present in addition to typical UTI symptoms. When a UTI is present in a patient with a catheter or stent, catheter or stent change should be strongly considered.[1]

Parenteral antibiotics can be given until clinical improvement and then, as condition improves, equivalent oral antibiotics can be given for the remainder of the course.

Pregnant women should not be denied appropriate treatment for infections because untreated infections can commonly lead to serious maternal and fetal complications.[78]

Physicians must consider the risk posed by particular antibiotics during pregnancy. Penicillins and cephalosporins are considered to be safe in pregnancy. Aminoglycosides and fluoroquinolones should only be used in pregnant women when the benefits of treatment outweigh the associated risks. The risks associated with the use of aminoglycosides are mainly nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity; however, with appropriate dosing and monitoring of serum trough levels, many specialists use these drugs in pregnancy as there are data supporting their use.[76] There have been case reports of fetal toxicity when used in pregnancy, so caution is advised. Previously, there were concerns about using fluoroquinolones in pregnancy due to reports of arthropathy in animal studies; however, reports are rare in humans.[77] A specialist should be consulted for guidance when selecting an appropriate antibiotic regimen in pregnant women.

Examples of suitable antibiotic regimens in pregnant women with a complicated UTI requiring hospitalization, or suspected pyelonephritis, include ampicillin plus gentamicin, ceftriaxone, cefepime, or aztreonam (in patients with a beta-lactam allergy).[56] After clinical improvement, patients should be transitioned to appropriate oral antibiotics based on culture sensitivity to complete a 14-day course of therapy.[56]

Choice depends on local resistance data and susceptibility results.[1]

Primary options

ampicillin: 2 g intravenously every 6 hours

and

gentamicin: 5 mg/kg intravenously every 24 hours; or 1.5 mg/kg intravenously every 8 hours

More

OR

ceftriaxone: 1 g intravenously every 24 hours

OR

cefepime: 1 g intravenously every 12 hours

Secondary options

aztreonam: 1 g intravenously every 8-12 hours

Back
Consider – 

definitive treatment of underlying abnormality

Treatment recommended for SOME patients in selected patient group

If the patient has symptomatic hydronephrosis, this should be treated. Usually conservative management with analgesia, intravenous fluids, and antibiotics is sufficient in pregnancy. Hydronephrosis is a common physiologic condition in pregnancy and disappears rapidly after birth.

Renal abscess is an unusual finding in pregnancy. The underlying etiology should be evaluated and treatment determined based on this and clinical symptoms. Deferring treatment until after pregnancy may be considered.

ONGOING

uncomplicated recurrent (3 or more in 12 months): related to sexual intercourse

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1st line – 

postcoital antibiotic therapy

Recurrent UTI prevention includes counseling regarding avoidance of risk factors, employing nonantimicrobial measures, and ultimately using antimicrobial prophylaxis if these do not work.[73]​ If sexual intercourse has a temporal relationship with UTI, postcoital therapy may be appropriate.

Single-dose antibiotic therapy after sexual intercourse has been shown to reduce the incidence of infection.[80] The single dose should be taken as soon as possible after sexual intercourse.

Primary options

nitrofurantoin: 100 mg orally (modified-release) as a single dose

OR

trimethoprim: 100 mg orally as a single dose

OR

sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim: 80 mg orally as a single dose

More
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intravaginal estrogen therapy

Local estrogen therapy restores the normal vaginal flora and reduces the risk of vaginal colonization by Escherichia coli.[84]​ Vaginally applied estrogen therapy results in a decreased incidence and longer time to recurrence of UTI in hypoestrogenic women.[2] May be used in postmenopausal women who are not taking oral estrogen.

Systemic estrogen therapy is not recommended over the use of topical estrogen therapy when symptoms are localized to the urogenital tract, given the benefit of reduced estrogen absorption when topical agents are used.[30]

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) recommends limiting the use of high-strength estradiol vaginal creams (containing estradiol 100 micrograms/g or 0.01%) to a single treatment period of up to 4 weeks due to the risk of adverse effects usually associated with systemic (oral or transdermal) hormone replacement therapy. This formulation should not be used in patients already on hormone replacement therapy.[86] Other vaginal estrogen formulations (e.g., conjugated estrogen cream, estradiol intravaginal tablets and rings) are available and may be preferred.

EAU guidelines support topical estrogen as a preventive treatment for rUTI in postmenopausal women.[73][87]

Primary options

estrogens, conjugated vaginal: (0.625 mg/g cream) insert 0.5 to 2 g into the vagina once daily for 21 days, followed by no treatment for 7 days then repeat

OR

estradiol vaginal: (intravaginal tablets) 10 micrograms (1 tablet) into the vagina once daily for 2 weeks, followed by 10 micrograms (1 tablet) twice weekly thereafter; (intravaginal ring) 1 ring (7.5 micrograms/24 hours or 50-100 micrograms/24 hours) inserted into the vagina and replaced every 3 months, dose depends on brand used; (100 micrograms/g or 0.01% cream) insert 2-4 g (200-400 micrograms) into the vagina once daily for 1-2 weeks, then taper dose gradually over 1-2 weeks to maintenance dose of 1 g (100 micrograms) once to three times weekly

More
Back
Plus – 

postcoital antibiotic therapy

Treatment recommended for ALL patients in selected patient group

Recurrent UTI prevention includes counseling regarding avoidance of risk factors, employing nonantimicrobial measures, and ultimately using antimicrobial prophylaxis if these do not work.[73] If sexual intercourse has a temporal relationship with UTI, postcoital therapy may be appropriate.

Single-dose antibiotic therapy after sexual intercourse has been shown to reduce the incidence of infection.[80] The single dose should be taken as soon as possible after sexual intercourse.

Primary options

nitrofurantoin: 100 mg orally (modified-release) as a single dose

OR

trimethoprim: 100 mg orally as a single dose

OR

sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim: 80 mg orally as a single dose

More

uncomplicated recurrent (3 or more in 12 months): unrelated to sexual intercourse

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1st line – 

low-dose prophylactic antibiotic

Recurrent UTI prevention includes counseling regarding avoidance of risk factors, employing nonantimicrobial measures, and ultimately using antimicrobial prophylaxis if these do not work.[73]

The risk of UTI can be reduced with low-dose antimicrobial prophylaxis. In a systematic review, antibiotics were the most efficacious therapy, but were associated with a higher incidence of systemic side effects.[85] The decision to initiate prophylaxis is usually based on clinical judgment and patient preference.

If, during therapy, the woman experiences a symptomatic infection, therapeutic dosing with another agent should be instituted, followed by reinstituting the prophylaxis regimen.

Primary options

nitrofurantoin: 100 mg orally (modified-release) once daily at bedtime

OR

trimethoprim: 100 mg orally once daily at bedtime

OR

sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim: 80 mg orally once daily at bedtime

More
Back
1st line – 

antibiotic self-treatment

Recurrent UTI prevention includes counseling regarding avoidance of risk factors, employing nonantimicrobial measures, and ultimately using antimicrobial prophylaxis if these do not work.[73]

Self-diagnosis and self-initiation of therapy is appropriate for treatment-adherent women with a history of recurrent cystitis and low risk for sexually transmitted disease.[82] Self-initiated therapy involves the patient identifying symptoms of infection and initiating treatment.[83]

Primary options

nitrofurantoin: 100 mg orally (modified-release) twice daily for 5 days

OR

sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim: 160 mg orally twice daily for 3 days

More

OR

fosfomycin tromethamine: 3 g orally as a single dose

Back
1st line – 

intravaginal estrogen therapy

Local estrogen therapy restores the normal vaginal flora and reduces the risk of vaginal colonization by Escherichia coli.[84]​ Vaginally applied estrogen therapy results in a decreased incidence and longer time to recurrence of UTI in hypoestrogenic women.[2]​ May be used in postmenopausal women who are not taking oral estrogen.

Systemic estrogen therapy is not recommended over the use of topical estrogen therapy when symptoms are localized to the urogenital tract, given the benefit of reduced estrogen absorption when topical agents are used.[30]

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) recommends limiting the use of high-strength estradiol vaginal creams (containing estradiol 100 micrograms/g or 0.01%) to a single treatment period of up to 4 weeks due to the risk of adverse effects usually associated with systemic (oral or transdermal) hormone replacement therapy. This formulation should not be used in patients already on hormone replacement therapy.[86] Other vaginal estrogen formulations (e.g., conjugated estrogen cream, estradiol intravaginal tablets and rings) are available and may be preferred.

EAU guidelines support topical estrogen (either as a creme or a pessary) as a preventive treatment for recurrent UTI in postmenopausal women.[73][87]

Primary options

estrogens, conjugated vaginal: (0.625 mg/g cream) insert 0.5 to 2 g into the vagina once daily for 21 days, followed by no treatment for 7 days then repeat

OR

estradiol vaginal: (intravaginal tablets) 10 micrograms (1 tablet) into the vagina once daily for 2 weeks, followed by 10 micrograms (1 tablet) twice weekly thereafter; (intravaginal ring) 1 ring (7.5 micrograms/24 hours or 50-100 micrograms/24 hours) inserted into the vagina and replaced every 3 months, dose depends on brand used; (100 micrograms/g or 0.01% cream) insert 2-4 g (200-400 micrograms) into the vagina once daily for 1-2 weeks, then taper dose gradually over 1-2 weeks to maintenance dose of 1 g (100 micrograms) once to three times weekly

More
Back
Consider – 

low-dose prophylactic antibiotic

Treatment recommended for SOME patients in selected patient group

Recurrent UTI prevention includes counseling regarding avoidance of risk factors, employing nonantimicrobial measures, and ultimately using antimicrobial prophylaxis if these do not work.[73] 

The risk of UTI can be reduced with low-dose antimicrobial prophylaxis. In a systematic review, antibiotics were the most efficacious therapy, but were associated with a higher incidence of systemic side effects.[85] The decision to initiate prophylaxis is usually based on clinical judgment and patient preference.

If, during therapy, the woman experiences a symptomatic infection, therapeutic dosing with another agent should be instituted, followed by reinstituting the prophylaxis regimen.

Primary options

nitrofurantoin: 100 mg orally (modified-release) once daily at bedtime

OR

trimethoprim: 100 mg orally once daily at bedtime

OR

sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim: 80 mg orally once daily at bedtime

More
Back
Consider – 

antibiotic self-treatment

Treatment recommended for SOME patients in selected patient group

Self-diagnosis and self-initiation of therapy is appropriate for treatment-adherent women with a history of recurrent cystitis and low risk for sexually transmitted disease.[82] Self-initiated therapy involves the patient identifying symptoms of infection and initiating treatment.[83]

Primary options

nitrofurantoin: 100 mg orally (modified-release) twice daily for 5 days

OR

sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim: 160 mg orally twice daily for 3 days

More

OR

fosfomycin tromethamine: 3 g orally as a single dose

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Please note that formulations/routes and doses may differ between drug names and brands, drug formularies, or locations. Treatment recommendations are specific to patient groups. See disclaimer

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