Any medics on? Antibiotics

[gnarlington]

I've been prescribed antibiotics for a slight urine infection. 3 days worth, twice a day.
Took my first one last night and it made me feel awful, headache, nausea and achy. I don't think this is from the infection because my only symptom is peeing a lot and a bit of back pain.
Couple of questions:

1. Is it possible to get rid of an infection without antibiotics?
2. Are they less effective if I take one a day at bed time for 6 days instead of 2 a day for 3 days?

I'm not a medic. I have recently had a very persistent UTI though. And it's grim. I know the antibiotics aren't fun either, but I'd just take them as instructed to clear up the infection. If it doesn't clear up, you'll have to take other antibiotics anyway and the side effects might be worse.

There has been some research into the use of D-mannose as a treatment for UTIs so I've been taking that too (1g three times a day). But I wouldn't take it instead of antibiotics for an acute infection.

There's a bit about non-antibiotic options here but it's for recurrent UTIs. Might be reading before you spend money on anything though.

No you can't get rid without antibiotics.

Yes, they willbe far less effective the way you suggest taking them and you risk creating antibiotic resistant bacteria - each time you have a break you give a nice opportunity for the bacteria to grow back again.

And back pain is a bad symptom as it suggests the infection has spread up to your kidneys so you really really need to get rid of the infection to avoid sepsis.

1. No
2. Don't do that, you'll likely still feel shit, not sort out the UTI, and encourage antibiotic resistance.

To be clear, I am not suggesting you try any of those. I really think you should just take the antibiotics. But there's so much nonsense on the internet about treating UTIs, so I just thought I'd link to something more sensible in case you were planning to take some sort of pointless super duper cranberry tablet or something.

If you are not deteriorating and stay with someone (in case u do get more ill) then continue antibiotics twice daily and see gp tomorrow for review (ideally with urine sample in a pot).
If you feel worse, contact out of hours gp today to see if you need to switch to other antibiotics (can also direct u to hospital if required).
If you feel really bad (confusion, fever, dizziness, bad back pain) go to a&e now as they can do bloods and assess you - may need iv antibiotics for sepsis.

If you need further advice contact 111 (sometimes people with have complicating factors like chronic health problems or stay alone so may be advised to seek more medical help sooner).

I've just had an awful 3 months with UTI's that came from nowhere, I'd be fine first thing in the morning, then mid afternoon would go to the loo, be in agony peeing blood, have to ring the doctor's & either go to see them or they would send a prescription to my local pharmacy for me to pick up. The antibiotics made me feel horrible, but at least they stopped the pain & the blood, I was left shattered for at least a week every time. I've started drinking much more liquid than I ever have done before, I never really get thirsty & honestly think not drinking enough has caused the infections, I'm drinking at least 2 litres a day now & after doing a bit of research I'm taking high dose vitamin C & probiotics, I'm going for a scan in a couple of weeks just to check if there is any other reason why these infections keep happening, when the infections start I take Nurofen Plus, Paracetamol & my usual painkillers for my Fibromyalgia & ME/CFS.

Nat6999 have you tried D-mannose at all? You might actually find it helpful (see the link I posted above). Sorry you've been suffering so long! It sounds awful.

yes, your body could get rid of the infection itself.
but you have been prescribed meds and taken the first dose. so keep at it.
hopefully you will feel better soon.

What antibiotic have you been prescribed?
Spreading the dose out like you are suggesting will not be effective as the level of antibiotic in you system will not be constant & will be continually dropping below the "therapeutic window"

Thanks all, I'll carry on taking them. I'm a bit of an anxious person and hate feeling ill from tablets but I will persist with them as I don't want to get more ill from infection! It's my first one in 36 years so wasn't sore what the deal was.