Trimethoprim

Trimethoprim antibiotic

Trimethoprim will cure cystitis infections in about 90% of cases. It is the antibiotic doctors prescribe most frequently for cystitis.

POMTrimethoprim antibiotic is prescription only medicine.

Service aimed at

Standby antibiotic treatment is only for those women who are prone to cystitis and have already been diagnosed with it in the past. You should only use this treatment if you are confident you know when you have cystitis.

This service is not for the treatment of cystitis that has already started. If cystitis symptoms have already started see a doctor face-to-face. This will guarantee there is no delay in starting treatment.

Cystitis symptoms

• Cystitis is usually associated with burning and soreness when passing water (doctors call this dysuria)
• There is usually a need to pass water frequently, sometimes many times in an hour
• During a water infection it is usually not possible to delay passing urine when there is an urge to go (urgency)

Response to treatment

Simple cystitis will improve greatly within 24 hours of starting antibiotics. If symptoms are not improving in the first 24 hours, or have not gone completely at the end of 3 days, medical advice is needed. If symptoms worsen rather than improve medical advice is needed straight away.