Urinary tract infections (UTIs) and symptoms:
Urinary tract infections are caused by the invasion of microorganisms, predominantly bacteria, into the urinary tract.
The infection can occur in any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
UTIs are more common in women than in men.
Symptoms of UTIs can vary depending on the location of the infection:
A. Lower urinary tract infection (cystitis, urethritis):
Dysuria (pain or burning sensation during urination)
Frequent urination and urgency
Cloudy, dark, bloody, or foul-smelling urine
Lower abdominal pain or discomfort
Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
In women, pain, or discomfort in the pelvic area
B. Upper urinary tract infection (pyelonephritis):
Flank pain or back pain
High fever
Chills
Nausea and vomiting
Fatigue or weakness
Dysuria, frequency, and urgency of urination (similar to lower UTI symptoms)
Urinary tract anti-infective agents
Urinary tract anti-infective agents can be classified into two main categories: systemic antibiotics and urinary antiseptics.
A. Systemic antibiotics:
These are antibiotics that are absorbed into the bloodstream and distributed throughout the body.
They are commonly used for the treatment of UTIs.
Examples include:
Penicillins: Amoxicillin, Amoxicillin-clavulanate
Cephalosporins: Cephalexin, Cefuroxime, Ceftriaxone
Fluoroquinolones: Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin, Ofloxacin
Aminoglycosides: Gentamicin, Amikacin
Nitrofurans: Nitrofurantoin
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX): Co-trimoxazole
Fosfomycin
B. Urinary antiseptics:
These are agents that are not significantly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and act locally within the urinary tract to kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria. Examples include:
Methenamine: Methenamine Hippurate, Methenamine mandelate
Nalidixic acid (a precursor to fluoroquinolones)
