Urinary tract infections are common, and antibiotics are the only tried and true treatment to rid your body of the nasty bacteria for good. But what do you do if you have symptoms of a UTI and cannot get to a doctor right away? Fortunately, there are several over-the-counter treatments are available to help manage the symptoms associated with UTIs. There are also some medications available over the counter that can help prevent infections from occurring in the future. Here is a list of over-the-counter UTI medicine you should know about to help manage your urinary tract infection at home.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil)
Acetaminophen or ibuprofen are general pain relievers that can help relieve the pain associated with urinary tract infections. Over-the-counter pain relievers do not help cure infections but can help you find some relief until you can see a doctor.
Phenazopyridine (Azo, Pyridium)
Phrnazophyridine works by soothing the lining of the urinary tract and can be taken up to three times daily to help ease UTI pain. It does not cure the infection but can make the discomfort bearable until you can see your doctor. One thing to know about this medication is that it turns your urine a dark orange color that can stain your clothes permanently.
Cranberry Products
There are many different cranberry products available over the counter, including pills, juices, and dried fruits. Cranberry products may help protect against UTIs by making urine more acidic. Acidic urine may help prevent bacteria from being able to stick to the walls of the urinary tract. Cranberry products may not get rid of urine infections, but they may play a small role in preventing them from happening in the future.
D-mannose Powder
D-mannose is a naturally occurring simple sugar found in many common fruits and vegetables like apples, oranges, peaches, blueberries, cranberries, green beans, cabbage, and broccoli. D-mannose works by preventing harmful bacteria from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract, which can help prevent infection.
Probiotics
Probiotics work by restoring the good bacteria within your body. If you are prone to urinary tract infections, taking a probiotic can help prevent you from getting infections in the future.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
If you have a UTI, increasing your vitamin C intake can help your immune system fight the infection. Taking a vitamin C supplement can also increase the acidity of your urine, which can help rid the body of harmful infection-causing bacteria.
Hydration
One of the best over-the-counter treatments for a UTI is drinking more water. Keeping hydrated can help flush your urinary tract and help rid your body of the bacteria that are causing your infection. While drinking water alone is not usually enough to get rid of an infection if you have one, but it can help you to feel a little better until you can see your doctor and start an antibiotic.
Learn More About Your Treatment Options
The best way to treat a urinary tract infection is with antibiotics, but if you are looking for a way to help manage your UTI symptoms until you can get to your doctor, you may benefit from these over-the-counter treatments.
Talk to your doctor today to determine if over-the-counter treatments could help manage your urinary tract infections.