Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes UTI After Heroin Detoxification?

I was recently released from a heroin detox facility. Upon urinalysis, I was told that I appeared to have some sort of urinary tract infection. I was completely asymptomatic at the time, but am experiencing pain, urgency without producing much urine, and as of today I ve noticed a mixture of blood and urine when I am able to empty my bladder. I wonder if this has anything to do with coming off of heroin and the subsequent Methadone taper I received while in the hospital, or has my heroin use done some potential damage to my kidneys?
posted on Sat, 6 Dec 2014
Twitter Tue, 17 May 2016 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 18 May 2016 Last reviewed on
Report Abuse
Dentist,  's  Response
Hello,

I can understand your concern. Heroin can cause release of protein in urine and damage to kidneys if used for long time. However, urinary tract infection is not one of the effects of the heroin or detoxification process. It is just a co-incidence that you have got UTI when you are released from the facility.

I would advise you to take Levofloxacin 250 mg (Levoflox) twice a day for 5 days. You should drink lots of fluids and take rest. The symptoms should disappear while you complete the antibiotic course.

If it does not resolve within 5 days, then you should go for urine analysis and blood test for complete blood count. I hope this answer helps you. Thank you for choosing HealthcareMagic. Let me know if you have follow up questions.

Best,
Dr. Viraj Shah
I find this answer helpful
Note: Consult a Urologist online for consultation about prostate and bladder problems, sexual dysfunction, kidney stones, prostate enlargement, urinary incontinence, impotence and erectile dysfunction - Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes UTI After Heroin Detoxification?

Hello, I can understand your concern. Heroin can cause release of protein in urine and damage to kidneys if used for long time. However, urinary tract infection is not one of the effects of the heroin or detoxification process. It is just a co-incidence that you have got UTI when you are released from the facility. I would advise you to take Levofloxacin 250 mg (Levoflox) twice a day for 5 days. You should drink lots of fluids and take rest. The symptoms should disappear while you complete the antibiotic course. If it does not resolve within 5 days, then you should go for urine analysis and blood test for complete blood count. I hope this answer helps you. Thank you for choosing HealthcareMagic. Let me know if you have follow up questions. Best, Dr. Viraj Shah