Effective UTI & Kidney Infection Relief: Over-the-Counter Options

Urinary tract infections and kidney infections are serious conditions that affect millions of Americans each year. Although more women get these infections then men, it can be severe in both. Non-prescription drugs are available to treat UTIs and kidney infection.

What Is It?

• The Mayo Clinic states that a UTI generally begins in your urethra or bladder and travels up into your kidneys. If not treated promptly, it can permanently damage your kidneys.

AZO

• According to Evitamins.com, over-the-counter medications such as AZO contain the analgesic phenazopyridine, which relieves pain, burning and urgency but does not treat the infection.

Cystex

• According to Drugstore.com, Cystex is an over-the-counter medication that contains methenamine, an antibacterial, as well as sodium salicylate, a pain reliever. This antibacterial agent may not work on moderate infections.

Warning

• The most effective treatments for UTIs are prescription antibiotics such as Levaquin, Bactrim, Septra, Suprax, Floxin and Cipro. If you want to be sure to get rid of the infection, this may be the best treatment.

Tips

• Over-the-counter medications are best for relieving the discomfort associated with UTIs, but not to get rid of the infection. In order to not damage your kidneys, seeing a physician is highly recommended.