Patient education: Urinary tract infection – Discharge instructions (The Basics)

Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.

What are discharge instructions? — Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care for a health problem.

What is a urinary tract infection? — A urinary tract infection ("UTI") is an infection that affects either the bladder or the kidneys (figure 1). A kidney infection is more serious, and can lead to other serious problems if it is not treated properly.

You need to take antibiotics to treat a UTI. It is important to take all of your antibiotics, even if you start to feel better.

How do I care for myself at home? — Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure that you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.

You should also:

●Take all of your medicines as instructed.

●Take phenazopyridine (sample brand name: AZO Urinary Pain Relief) for the first day or so, if you choose. This is an over-the-counter medicine. It will help numb your bladder and decrease the urge to urinate. This medicine causes your urine and tears to look orange.

●Take acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol) if needed for pain.

●Drink extra fluids. This can help prevent more bladder infections. If you have sex, these things might also help:

•Urinate right afterward.

•If you use birth control, use a form that does not contain spermicide.

When should I call the doctor? — Call for advice if:

●You have pain in your back, shoulder, or belly.

●You have a fever, shaking chills, or sweats even though you are taking antibiotics.

●You notice more blood in your urine.

●Your symptoms get worse or do not get better within 24 hours of starting antibiotics.

●Your symptoms come back after finishing treatment.

●You have any new or worrying symptoms.

More on this topic

Patient education: Urinary tract infections in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Urinary tract infections in pregnancy (The Basics)
Patient education: Blood in the urine (hematuria) in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Asymptomatic bacteriuria (The Basics)

Patient education: Urinary tract infections in adolescents and adults (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Urinary tract infections in children (Beyond the Basics)

This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Feb 02, 2024.

Disclaimer: This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider's examination and assessment of a patient's specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms. 2024© UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved.

Topic 142133 Version 1.0

خرید پکیج

Patient education: Urinary tract infection – Discharge instructions (The Basics)