Prophylaxis
of recurrent UTI
Suggested agents | Treat for 6 months then review. |
Trimethoprim 100mg at night or post coital OR | |
Nitrofurantoin 50-100mg at night or post coital. | |
Cranberry extract can
be a useful non antibiotic alternative for recurrent UTI.
There is now good evidence that cranberry products can be effective in preventing UTIs. Cranberry does not have any bacteriostatic or bactericidal effects. However a chemical in cranberry products is thought to work by preventing certain bacteria from attaching to cells that line the bladder. Therefore this helps to prevent bacteria from infecting the bladder and so helps to prevent (rather than cure) infection. A Cochrane Reviewą shows that cranberry juice may decrease the number of symptomatic urinary tract infections (UTIs) over a 12 month period in younger women. There is also a study˛ demonstrating effectiveness in older women; although trimethoprim had a very limited advantage over cranberry extract in terms of UTI free days, it also had more adverse effects. Some points about cranberry products include:
References:
|
|
Referral | See urology referral website on Staffnet - click here |
© 2010 NHS Tayside