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What Are the Benefits of Ciprofloxacin for Urinary Tract Infection?

Madeleine A.
Madeleine A.

The benefits of Ciprofloxacin for urinary tract infection include resolution of symptoms and the eradication of the infection. Symptoms of a urinary tract infection include burning and pain upon urination, pain or pressure in the area of the bladder, urinary frequency, and blood in the urine. Fever, flank pain, and an increase or decrease in urine production are also symptoms of a urinary tract infection. Taking ciprofloxacin to treat a urinary tract infection typically relieves symptoms quickly, however, the entire course of antibiotics needs to be consumed to make sure that the infection, and not only the symptoms, have been eradicated.

Ciprofloxacin, although very effective in relieving symptoms, can cause significant side effects. These include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Headaches and heartburn can also occur when taking ciprofloxacin for urinary tract infection. Most people tolerate taking ciprofloxacin for urinary tract infection, but some are unable to withstand side effects. For them, another method of treating a urinary tract infection should be recommended by the health care provider.

Drinking cranberry juice may help treat urinary tract infections.
Drinking cranberry juice may help treat urinary tract infections.

Though usually mild, side effects from ciprofloxacin can be severe. These include tingling of the lips, tongue, mouth, and face, difficulty breathing, and wheezing. Itching, hives, rapid heart beat, and closing of the throat can also occur. This antibiotic also has the potential for causing joint, bone, and tissue problems. If muscle or joint pain occurs, or if burning or numbness of any kind occurs, the health care provider should be notified at once.

Ciprofloxacin side effects may include nausea, upset stomach, and vomiting.
Ciprofloxacin side effects may include nausea, upset stomach, and vomiting.

In addition to taking ciprofloxacin for urinary tract infection, drinking plenty of fluids is also recommended to help flush out bacteria from the urinary tract. Drinking cranberry juice might also play a role in the treatment of urinary tract infections, however, drinking cranberry juice in the absence of antibiotic therapy may not be the recommended treatment of choice. Also, Products containing caffeine such as coffee, tea, and chocolate can exacerbate symptoms of urinary tract infection because caffeine acts as a bladder irritant.

Side effects of ciprofloxacin may include tingling of the tongue and lips.
Side effects of ciprofloxacin may include tingling of the tongue and lips.

Certain medications can interact with ciprofloxacin, so it is important that the health care provider be given a list of current medications, whether they are over-the-counter medicines or prescription medicines. This also includes dietary supplements and vitamin and mineral supplements. A urinary tract infection is caused by a bacterial organism, which must be treated immediately or symptoms can worsen. Also, if the infection is not treated, damage to the kidneys, bladder, urethra, and ureters can occur, although these circumstances are rare.

Discussion Comments

Kristee

@seag47 – For me, the nausea and diarrhea are the worst. I get the bitter taste, too, but the other side effects are more severe.

My doctor gave me bactrim instead of ciprofloxacin last time I had a UTI. She said that it is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is good at treating urinary tract infections.

It worked, and I didn't have any of the bad side effects that I get with ciprofloxacin. It may have taken a few days longer for me to recover, but at least I wasn't miserable in the meantime.

seag47

I think that the side effects of ciprofloxacin are so strong because it is so potent. So, you have to decide which is worse, the symptoms of your urinary tract infection or the side effects of the treatment.

One really bad side effect I always experience is a bad taste in my mouth. After I have taken my first dose, this taste lingers until a day or so after I finish the last dose.

Everything that I put in my mouth during that time tastes bitter. Even water tastes awful, so it is hard to enjoy drinking or eating anything!

kylee07drg

I agree with the article that cranberry juice should not be used as the sole treatment for a UTI. You really need something strong, like ciprofloxacin.

That's not to say that cranberry juice doesn't help. If you drink a glass of it every day, you are a lot less likely to get a UTI. It keeps the bacteria from clinging to your urinary tract.

When I have an infection, I do get ciprofloxacin first. Then, I drink cranberry juice and even take cranberry supplements to help speed my recovery along.

wavy58

My dad can't take ciprofloxacin, because it really hurts his stomach. He gets a lot of nausea and abdominal pain when he takes it, so he always requests something else.

However, I'm one of the lucky ones who can take it without any issues. I tend to get urinary tract infections often, but ciprofloxacin knocks them out in just a few days.

I know that I drink too much soda. That probably contributes to my UTIs. I bet if I drank more cranberry juice and water, I might not get them as often.

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    • Drinking cranberry juice may help treat urinary tract infections.
      By: thepoeticimage
      Drinking cranberry juice may help treat urinary tract infections.
    • Ciprofloxacin side effects may include nausea, upset stomach, and vomiting.
      By: Tatty
      Ciprofloxacin side effects may include nausea, upset stomach, and vomiting.
    • Side effects of ciprofloxacin may include tingling of the tongue and lips.
      By: Deyan Georgiev
      Side effects of ciprofloxacin may include tingling of the tongue and lips.
    • Taking ciprofloxacin to treat a urinary tract infection usually relieves symptoms quickly.
      By: Syda Productions
      Taking ciprofloxacin to treat a urinary tract infection usually relieves symptoms quickly.
    • Irritation in the bladder or urethra may cause a urinary tract infection with bleeding.
      By: Ana Blazic Pavlovic
      Irritation in the bladder or urethra may cause a urinary tract infection with bleeding.
    • Patients recovering from a urinary tract infection should drink plenty of water.
      By: koszivu
      Patients recovering from a urinary tract infection should drink plenty of water.