Common medications to treat cystitis and bladder inflammation
Common medications used to treat cystitis and bladder inflammation include antibiotics, alpha-blockers, antispasmodics, and anti-inflammatory drugs.
1. Antibiotics
Antibiotics are the most common class of drugs prescribed to treat cystitis. These medications target and kill bacteria that have caused infections in the bladder. If your symptoms are caused by an infection, antibiotics should always be included in the treatment.
Examples of antibiotics commonly prescribed for cystitis include amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Antibiotics are typically taken for 7-14 days; the exact dosage depends on the individual’s medical history, age, and other factors.
It’s essential to take the entire course of antibiotics prescribed, even if the symptoms improve before the course is complete, to ensure that the infection is entirely eradicated.
2. Alpha-blockers
In some cases, patients with bladder inflammation experience urgency and increased urinary frequency. Alpha-blockers are medications that help to relax the muscles of the bladder and urethra, which can help reduce the frequency and urgency of urination. These medications are more commonly used in chronic cases of bladder inflammation, such as interstitial cystitis and bladder inflammation associated with prostate cancer.
Common alpha-blockers used to treat cystitis include doxazosin, terazosin, and tamsulosin. These medications are typically taken on a regular basis, and the dosage can vary depending on the individual’s medical history and other factors.
These medications should only be prescribed by a doctor because they have interactions with other drugs and can cause some adverse events.
3. Antispasmodics
One of the problems with bladder inflammation is that the muscle tissue in the bladder undergoes involuntary contractions and spasms that increase in frequency and intensity as the tissue becomes more irritated.
Antispasmodics are drugs that help to reduce spasms in the bladder and urethra, countering these problems in chronic cases of bladder inflammation. These medications can provide relief from the painful symptoms of cystitis and bladder inflammation, such as pain and discomfort during urination.
Common antispasmodics used to treat cystitis include hyoscyamine, oxybutynin, and flavoxate. These medications can be taken orally and should also be prescribed by your doctor for better results.
