What is a UTI?

A UTI is an infection in any part of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract — the bladder and the urethra. A urinary tract infection (UTI) impacts the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. Although bacteria cause most UTIs, viruses or fungi can also be responsible. Bacterial infections are usually treated with antibiotics.

Bacterial UTIs typically begin when certain bacteria from the colon — known as E. coli — enter the urethra and ascend into the urinary tract. UTIs are easier to prevent than treat. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following measures to prevent UTIs:

• Stay hydrated

• Limit douching or using sprays and powders in the genital region

• Wipe front to back to avoid the spread of bacteria

• Always urinate after sex

What is Amoxicillin?

Amoxicillin is a drug belonging to the penicillin class of antibiotics. This antibiotic interferes with the formation of bacterial cell walls, making the bacteria more vulnerable and helping the immune system to eliminate it.

Both children and adults can use amoxicillin, but different dosages, indications, and formulations will be prescribed based on age and weight.

Amoxicillin is available in capsule, tablet, and liquid suspension forms. It can be used to treat several conditions, including:

• Ear infections

• Strep throat

• Dental infections

• Skin infections

• Lower respiratory tract infections, like pneumonia

While UTIs and kidney infections are related, they can have different symptoms. Not all of these symptoms happen every time, and they may show up at different times. Your symptoms might begin suddenly. Some of these may simply be early warnings.

Symptoms of urinary tract infection

You may have an uncomplicated urinary tract infection if you start experiencing some or all of the following symptoms:

• Pain or a burning feeling when you urinate
• Sudden urge to urinate more often than normal, especially at night
• Cloudy urine
• Blood in your urine
• Lower abdominal pain

In children or infants, watch out for:

• Fever
• Irritable and refuses to feed.
• Wetting themselves or the bed, even if potty-trained.

What are the Causes of UTIs?

UTIs are typically caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract through the urethra and multiplying in the bladder. The most common culprit is Escherichia coli (E. coli), a type of bacteria commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract.

Can you really  treat a UTI with Amoxicillin?

Amoxicillin may be used to treat several common bacterial infections, but it is not a common choice for treating UTIs — although it may be an effective treatment option.

Doctors typically prescribe antibiotics, such as single-dose fosfomycin (Monurol®) for treating UTIs. Fosfomycin is also considered a Pregnancy Category B drug by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) — this means it may be used by pregnant women, if necessary.

Regarding treating UTIs with amoxicillin, research indicates that E. coli has developed resistance to the beta-lactam class of antibiotics, including amoxicillin.

In addition, as many as 80% of all complicated UTIs are caused by E. coli.

Therefore, taking amoxicillin increases your risk of developing complicated UTIs, especially if you do not follow your doctor’s dosage instructions.

Why would I use amoxicillin to treat a UTI?

If you’re unable to find fosfomycin or you’re allergic to it, your doctor may prescribe amoxicillin or a dose of intramuscular gentamicin as an alternative treatment.

Amoxicillin is also cheaper compared to some other antibiotics. In addition, it is widely available and it may be your doctor’s preferred treatment option.

Should you have any concerns about amoxicillin and its potential side effects, which are listed below, raise them with your doctor during your consultation.

How long does it take for a UTI to resolve with amoxicillin?

You may feel your symptoms improving within the first few days of using amoxicillin, but it’s important to complete your entire antibiotic course.

A typical amoxicillin course is 5–7 days, but it may be longer depending on the severity of your infection.

How Do I Use Amoxicillin to Treat a UTI?

One 500 mg amoxicillin tablet should be taken three times a day until the antibiotic course is complete. Uncomplicated UTIs should be resolved once you’ve completed your antibiotic treatment.

You’ll need to take amoxicillin for at least five days, but the duration of treatment may be adjusted by your healthcare provider.

Possible Risks and Side Effects of Amoxicillin

The biggest risk of taking any antibiotic to treat a UTI is that you may develop antibiotic resistance, which makes it more difficult to treat future infections.

Due to the frequent use of antibiotics in the U.S., the CDC is concerned about antibiotic resistance. When taking amoxicillin for the treatment of UTIs, it’s vital to follow your doctor’s recommendations.

Some potential side effects of this antibiotic include:

• Disruption of the bacteria in your gut, which leads to symptoms like diarrhea

• Allergic reactions

• Yeast infections

• Nausea and vomiting

• Dizziness and confusion (rare)

Who Should Not Be Using Amoxicillin for UTIs?

Doctors won’t prescribe amoxicillin to people with known penicillin allergies. They also may not prescribe it for:

• Recurrent infection: People who get UTIs frequently should be focused on prevention strategies.

• Anyone with a complicated UTI – including men, pregnant women, and people with urinary tract abnormalities.

What are the First-Line Treatments for UTIs?

For the reasons mentioned earlier, amoxicillin is not the preferred choice when it comes to treating urinary tract infections.

First-line treatments for uncomplicated UTIs include:

• Fosfomycin: 3 g, as a single dose

• Gentamicin (intramuscular): as a single dose — this is not suitable for pregnant women or people with renal impairments

First-line treatments for complicated UTIs include:

• Ciprofloxacin: 500 mg, taken orally every 12 hours for 7–10 days