Adult

UTI, lower (female, not pregnant, non-severe)

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is diagnosed when there are lower urinary symptoms (dysuria, urgency and frequency) AND positive urinalysis.

Treat according to sensitivity test results. See UTI, lower treatment according to susceptibility tests

Consider sexually transmitted infection and referral to GUM clinic.

Treat for 3 days.

Preferred if culture and sensitivity not available

nitrofurantoin 50mg po qds (caution: do not use if eGFR is under 45 ml/min/1.73m2) 
Adverse effects have been reported with nitrofurantoin see Nitrofurantoin MHRA drug safety updates

Alternative if culture and sensitivity not available

For eGFR less than 45 ml/min/1.73m2

trimethoprim 200mg po bd 

References

  1. NICE NG109 Urinary Tract Infection (lower): antimicrobial prescribing October 2018. Available: Overview | Urinary tract infection (lower): antimicrobial prescribing | Guidance | NICE
  2. NICE CK Urinary Tract Infection (lower) - Women June 2023. Available: Urinary tract infection (lower) - women | Health topics A to Z | CKS | NICE

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 04 Sept 2023

Author(s): AMST.

Approved By: MMTC