Bladder > Bladder Treatments > Antibiotics

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are often prescribed to treat many different conditions and symptoms.

We have listed here some of the bladder problems for which antibiotics may be prescribed by your GP or health professional.

Acute prostatitis will be treated with a course of antibiotics (oral antibiotics) over a four week period. Symptoms should improve within about two weeks; however it is important that you finish the course in order to prevent the return of the infection. Paracetamol and/or Ibuprofen can be taken to help ease any pain.

Chronic bacterial prostatitis is also treated with a four-week course of oral antibiotics. You may also be prescribed a type of medication known as an alpha-blocker. Paracetamol and/or Ibuprofen can be taken to help ease any pain.

You will have a urine test after you have finished the course of antibiotics to check whether the infection/bacteria has gone. A further course of antibiotics may be required if the results show the infection is still present.

Bacterial Cystitis - Your doctor may prescribe some antibiotics to ease the symptoms and get rid of the infection. An attack of cystitis can also be treated by pain relief such as paracetamol and ibuprofen; this may help if you have a temperature. If your attack lasts more than a few days and you still have a temperature, you should visit your GP again. Potassium and sodium citrate can be found in some medications which may relieve the symptoms of cystitis.