What should you know about Boots cystitis antibiotics?

Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder, often with burning when passing urine, frequent or urgent urination and discomfort low in the abdomen. Similar symptoms may result from irritation, another urinary infection or a sexually transmitted infection. A clinician may ask about pregnancy, sex, previous infections, medicines, allergies and kidney problems before deciding on treatment.

Antibiotics act against susceptible bacteria; they do not help every cause of urinary discomfort. The chosen medicine and course depend on the clinical situation, local practice and any previous test results.

Contact a pharmacist, GP or other qualified clinician for advice rather than using someone else’s medicine or leftover tablets. Take a prescribed course exactly as directed and report troublesome side effects. Drink enough fluid to avoid dehydration, rest, and use simple pain relief only if it is safe for you and compatible with your medicines.

If symptoms return after treatment, arrange review. A urine sample may help when the diagnosis is uncertain, symptoms persist or infections keep recurring.

Seek urgent medical advice for fever, chills, pain in the back or side, vomiting, confusion, feeling very unwell or visible blood in the urine. Arrange prompt assessment if you are pregnant, a child, a man, older and frail, or have a catheter, kidney disease or a weakened immune system.

Do my symptoms fit cystitis, or do I need a urine test? Is an antibiotic appropriate for me? How soon should symptoms improve? What should I do if symptoms return or I develop fever or back pain?