Health Library Cephalosporins for Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)From Healthwise

Cephalosporins are antibiotics that kill bacteria that commonly cause urinary tract infections (UTIs). You can take cephalosporins by mouth (orally) or by injection.

Your doctor may prescribe cephalosporin to treat an infection of your bladder or kidneys that is not caused by an obstruction or structural problem or some other medical condition that affects urinary function, such as diabetes. Cephalosporin also treats urinary tract infections that have complications, such as pregnancy, a high temperature [greater than 101 °F (38 °C)], or ongoing nausea, vomiting, and chills.

Cephalosporins also treat UTIs in children.

Cephalosporins effectively treat most UTIs. A person taking a cephalosporin for a UTI can expect relief from the symptoms.

Common side effects of cephalosporins include:

• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Sore mouth or tongue.
• Skin rash.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

People who are allergic to penicillins may also be sensitive to cephalosporins.

Antibiotic resistance

Be sure to take all of the medication your doctor gives you, even if you are feeling better. If you do not take all of your antibiotics as prescribed, the infection may return. Not taking the full course of antibiotics also encourages the development of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. This not only makes antibiotics less effective but also makes bacterial infections more difficult to treat.

Antibiotic resistance among bacteria that cause UTIs has increased steadily in recent decades. You and your doctor may have to try different antibiotics, and different combinations of antibiotics, to find the right medication that will kill the bacteria causing your UTI. Before you start a new antibiotic, your doctor may use results of urine tests to help select a medication.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

Author:	Kathe Gallagher, MSW	Last Updated: June 15, 2007
Medical Review:	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Philip Belitsky, MD, FRCSC - Urology
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