What antibiotics are used to treat UTI?
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on March 31, 2025.
The most common drugs used to treat an uncomplicated UTI include:
- trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra, others),
- nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin, Macrobid), and
- fosfomycin (Monurol).
A UTI (urinary tract infection) is usually caused by an infection in the bladder (cystitis), the kidneys (pyelonephritis), or the urethra (urethritis).
Although fluoroquinolones like ciprofloxacin (Cipro) or levofloxacin (Levaquin) have been commonly used to treat UTIs in the past, recommendations now state this class should be reserved for more serious infections when possible.
Your doctor may choose among these different antibiotics, or others, based on your individual patient characteristics or local resistance patterns seen in your community.
Read next
How long does Cipro take to work?
Although ciprofloxacin starts working within hours of taking it, you may not notice an improvement in your symptoms for 2 to 3 days. For some infections, such as osteomyelitis (a bone infection), it may take up to a week before you show any improvement. Continue reading
Does Bactrim cause headaches?
Headache is a common side effect with Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) and may occur in up to 10% of patients. Low blood sugar, low sodium blood levels and rarely, aseptic meningitis are other side effects of Bactrim that may lead to a headache. Continue reading
How long do antibiotics take to work?
Antibiotics are life-saving medicines used to treat bacterial infections, but many people wonder how quickly they can expect to feel better after starting a course. The answer depends on several factors, including the type of antibiotic, the infection or condition being treated, and individual health differences.
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Drug information
- Nitrofurantoin (1,884 reviews)
- Ciprofloxacin (937 reviews)
- Levofloxacin (744 reviews)
- Trimethoprim (196 reviews)
- Fosfomycin (78 reviews)
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