Can Bactrim Be Taken In Place Of Keflex For Persistent UTI?

Posted on Sat, 7 Apr 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 7 Apr 2018 Answered on

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : I have had UTI four times since Feb. 12th/2018. They prescribed Keflex each time & had to give urn specman.
I was either on it each time for 3 days or 5 days, The 4th. time was for 10 days which ended April 1st.
Today will make it my 5th. time. I am 81 yrs. old, no sex or other reason that I can think of.
Now they want me to take Bactrum.
I am very concerned about the side effects of this drug.

Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Bactrim is very effective in clearing up urinary tract infection

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Since you took Keflex for nearly 4 times and still have recurrent UTI, it is a good idea to switch to an alternate antibiotic and see if it helps completely clear up the infection.

Bactrim is very effective in treating UTI and most people tolerate Bactrim well for short-term therapy. The common side effects experienced include nausea, upset stomach, allergy during short-term use. So please be advised to take Bactrim as prescribed.

Recurrent UTI in post-menopausal women can be due to vaginal/urethral dryness due to lack of estrogen. Talk to your doctor regarding starting an estrogen vaginal cream to prevent the dryness and UTI recurrence. Also, possible underlying Diabetes needs to be ruled out. You should also make sure to drink plenty of water daily.

In some individuals, recurrence even after following the above measures, will require long-term low dose suppressive antibiotic therapy.

Hope this answers your questions.

Regards,
Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal, General & Family Physician

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T