Home Conditions Cystitis (urinary tract infection)

Cystitis (urinary tract infection) — guide.

Cystitis = inflammation of the bladder, most often bacterial (E. coli 80%). Symptoms: dysuria, frequency, urgency, suprapubic pain.

Also known as: UTI urinary tract infection
5 recommended OTC drugs
8,296 pharmacies available

In short: Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder, most often caused by bacteria such as E. coli, with symptoms like burning when urinating, urgency, and the frequent need to urinate. For discomfort, over-the-counter options include cranberry extract, D-mannose, alkalizing citrates, vaginal probiotics, or ibuprofen for pain. On HartaFarmacii you can compare the prices of these OTC options across the major pharmacies (Dr. Max, Tei, Catena, HelpNet), with prices updated daily. This information is for guidance only and does not replace a medical consultation; see a doctor if you develop a fever above 38°C, a possible sign of pyelonephritis.

Data verified on from public sources (OpenStreetMap, chain websites, ANM/MS) — updated daily.

OTC — adjuncts

What you can take alongside treatment

Informational only — HartaFarmacii is not an approved medical site. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine. Don't self-medicate. Emergencies: 112.

When to seek urgent medical help

Any of these signs calls for prompt medical evaluation:

  • Fever above 38 degrees (suspected pyelonephritis)
  • Flank pain
  • Hematuria
  • Man with cystitis
  • Pregnancy

What is cystitis

Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder, in the vast majority of cases of bacterial cause, with Escherichia coli responsible for approximately 80% of episodes. The bacteria reach the bladder by the ascending route, from the urethra. Women are much more predisposed because of the short urethra, and episodes become more frequent after sexual intercourse, during pregnancy, at menopause and in diabetics. The classic symptoms are burning on urination (dysuria), the frequent need to pass small amounts of urine (urinary frequency), urinary urgency and suprapubic pain. The urine may be cloudy, foul-smelling or with traces of blood.

Forms

Acute uncomplicated cystitis occurs in the young woman who is non-diabetic and not pregnant. The complicated form is seen in men, in pregnancy, in diabetics or with anatomical abnormalities and requires more prolonged treatment. Pyelonephritis represents the spread of the infection to the kidney, with fever, chills and flank pain — a severe form that calls for urgent medical evaluation.

Diagnosis

In typical forms treatment can be started on the basis of symptoms. In recurrences, complicated forms or lack of response, a urinalysis, a urine culture with antibiogram and, sometimes, ultrasound of the urinary tract are recommended.

Antibiotic treatment (Rx)

  • Fosfomycin 3 g single dose.
  • Nitrofurantoin 100 mg x 2/day, 5 days.
  • Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, 3 days (depending on local resistance).

Adjuvant measures

  • Hydration 2-3 L/day to flush the urinary tract.
  • Frequent urination, without holding the urine.
  • Correct hygiene (wiping from front to back).
  • Urination after sexual intercourse.

OTC and supplements

  • Cranberry 36-72 mg PAC/day — for prevention.
  • D-mannose 2 g/day — prevents E. coli from adhering to the bladder wall.
  • Vaginal probiotics.
  • Alkalinizing citrate to soothe the burning.
  • Ibuprofen for pain and discomfort.

Medical disclaimer: the information in this guide is for informational purposes and does not replace the advice of a doctor or pharmacist. For diagnosis and treatment consult a healthcare professional.

Compared medicines

Medicines used for cystitis (urinary tract infection)

This list is indicative, generated automatically from DCI/category matching. It is not a medical recommendation — consult your doctor before starting any treatment.

This list is not a medical recommendation. Consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Search the pharmacy

Medicine categories for cystitis (urinary tract infection)

Step by step

How to find a pharmacy fast for cystitis (urinary tract infection)

Open the interactive map and grant location permission — you'll see pharmacies sorted by distance with their opening hours and a one-tap route in Google Maps. For overnight or weekend trips, switch on the 24/7 filter to keep only the on-call ones. For cystitis (urinary tract infection) some medicines need a prescription — make sure you have a valid one (electronic or paper) before you leave, to avoid wasted trips.

For chronic treatment, save your favourite pharmacy in the app and check prices on the comparator — OTC differences between chains can hit 20-40%, while CANAMED-capped Rx items have a fixed maximum but may carry promotions. If your treatment for cystitis (urinary tract infection) runs on a monthly script, schedule pickup a few days before you run out.

Left untreated

Possible complications

Frequently asked

What else would you like to know?

Does cranberry work?
For prevention — yes, moderate evidence. For acute infection — insufficient, antibiotic required.
D-mannose versus antibiotic?
D-mannose — prevention. For acute infection — antibiotic first.
Why do I keep getting cystitis?
Female anatomy, postmenopause, diabetes, sexual intercourse. Urological evaluation for recurrences.
Does Uro-Vaxom help?
Yes — it reduces recurrent episodes by 30-40%.

See also

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