Can azithromycin treat a UTI?
Yes, Azithromycin can treat UTI infections. For example, it can be used for Chlamydia trochamatis infections. Sometimes, even a single dose of 1000mg of azithromycin is sufficient.[1, 2].
Azithromycin can also treat other UTI pathogens, like Pseudomonas aeruginosa [3].
In case azithromycin is not enough to kill Pseudomonas, it can be used with together ciprofloxacin. This combination has a synergic effect and is more effective than only one of the antibiotics [4].
Azithromycin can also treat UTIs caused by Ureaplasma urealyticum. In these cases, even one dose of 1000mg can be enough to kill all the bacteria effectively [5].
Although azithromycin can be used in UTI treatment, it may not be effective against all the pathogens that can cause UTIs. For example, it may not treat some E. Coli infections [6].
What is azithromycin?
Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic similar in structure to erythromycin [7]. It is known for extensive penetration into tissue compartments and high concentration at the infection site [7]. Azithromycin is potent against gram-negative organisms [1].
What is the mechanism of action of azithromycin?
Azithromycin works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. It binds to the 50S component of the 70S ribosomal subunit, interfering with the protein synthesis in bacteria [7].
The structure of azithromycin allows its uptake by phagocytic immune cells. These cells migrate with the azithromycin inside to the infection site and release the antibiotic where it is most effective [8].
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Also, azithromycin can reduce the production of biofilm and virulence factors [10].
Additionally, azithromycin has an immunomodulator effect. It can inhibit signaling pathways in macrophages (STAT1 and NF-κB). Blocking these pathways changes the behavior of the macrophages, and they do not promote inflammation [11].
What diseases can be treated with azithromycin?
Azithromycin is particularly effective against respiratory, enteric, genitourinary, dermal, and some sexually transmitted bacterial infections [12, 13]. It can also treat infections of intracellular bacteria, like trachoma and non-gonococcal urethritis [14].
It is also used to treat chronic bronchial diseases, such as asthma, bronchiectasis, and severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) [15].
Additionally, azithromycin is effective against periodontal diseases [16].
What are the risks of azithromycin?
Azithromycin has several potential side effects and risks. Side effects of include:
- nausea,
- diarrhea,
- stomach pain,
- abnormal heart rhythms, like QT prolongation,
- allergic reactions, like skin rash and swelling of lips or tongue,
- yellowing of skin or eyes,
- easy bruising and bleeding [17, 18, 19, 20, 21].
In rare cases, azithromycin leads to liver problems. It can worsen any existing liver disease [22, 23]. Azithromycin can also exacerbate symptoms of myasthenia gravis [23].
Also, in some cases, taking azithromycin can lead to bradycardia and hypothermia [24].
In children, diarrhea and vomiting are the most frequent adverse effects. Severe cases are rare and involve idiopathic hypertrophic pyloric stenosis and a prolonged QT interval [20].
Azithromycin is a prescription drug, and you should not take it without guidance from a healthcare professional.
Taking any antibiotic without indications can lead to severe health complications.
What factors can increase the risk of getting a UTI?
UTI is a bacterial or yeast infection of the urinary tract. It can affect the upper or lower urinary tract, and depending on its location, it can be called a lower or upper UTI.
Some factors can increase the risk of UTI. Among them are:
- female sex [25],
- immunocompromised state [26],
- urinary catheterization [27],
- requent, intense sexual activity, as well as sex with new partners and use of spermicidal anticonception [28, 29, 30],
- diabetes [31],
- obesity [28],
- kidney stones [32],
- an enlarged prostate [32],
- not drinking enough water [32],
- using tampons [33],
- older age [31].
What is the urinary tract?
The urinary tract consists of two kidneys, two ureters, the urinary bladder, and the urethra. The upper urinary tract accounts for the kidneys and the ureters. The lower urinary tract comprises the urinary bladder and the urethra.
The natural flow of urine starts in the kidneys, where it is produced. From there, the urine flows down with the ureters to the urinary bladder, which serves as a urine collector. When the urinary bladder is full, it sends signals that create the urge to pee.
The last path in the urinary tract is the urethra. It is the connection between the bladder and the outside environment. Through the urethra, urine is definitely excreted from the human body.
What are the symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI)?
Depending on the location, urinary tract infections (UTIs) can cause various symptoms. The most common symptom of lower UTI are:
- a burning sensation or pain when urinating [28], frequent urge to urinate [31],
- cloudy urine [31],
- reddish or pink urine [31],
- a strong and foul odor urine[31].
In men, UTIs can cause rectal pain, while in women, they can lead to pelvic pain [31].
When the infection spreads to the kidneys, it causes an upper UTI, which leads to different symptoms. In cases of an upper UTI, symptoms include:
How does a UTI occur?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract and cause an infection [25]. A bacterial infection in any of these parts will be named UTI. Physiologically, the only entry into the urinary tract is through the urethra [34, 26, 27].
Bacteria can enter the urethra in many ways. For example, they can get into the urethra during wiping or sexual activity [34, 26, 27].
When inside, the bacteria can infect the urethra or travel up to the bladder [26, 27].
If untreated, a UTI, the bacteria can spread to the kidneys and from there to the blood, causing urosepsis. It is a potentially life-threatening condition [26, 27].
What is a bladder infection?
A bladder infection, also known as cystitis, is a type of urinary tract infection (UTI). It is mostly caused by bacteria, but yeasts can also cause it.
The most common causative agent of a bladder infection is Escherichia coli. This bacteria is naturally found in the colon [35].
Two main types of bladder infections exist. The acute, sudden onset bladder infection, and the chronic type, which recurs over long periods [35].
Symptoms of a bladder infection include a burning sensation when peeing, difficulty peeing, and pain above the pubic bone [32].
Untreated bladder infection can spread the infection [32] and lead to severe complications like kidney infection (pyelonephritis).
When should you seek medical attention for a UTI?
UTIs are common. Nevertheless, it is always crucial to seek medical help when experiencing symptoms of UTI.
Time is key in the therapy of UTIs. Prompt diagnosis and treatment prevent the spread of the infection and severe complications.
You should seek immediate medical attention when you experience back or side pain, nausea, vomiting, chills, and fever. These symptoms can be a sign of kidney infection and must be treated as soon as possible.
Remember, untreated UTI can lead to severe complications. It can cause kidney damage, kidney scarring, and sepsis. Sepsis, when not treated, can lead to death. It underlines how crucial the treatment of UTI is.