How long for ab to kick in - uti

[Caf123]

I have taken 24 hrs so far of a 3 day course of Nitrofurantoin. It’s definitely no worse but not really any improvement either. 3 days seems quite short. Still burning and pain when I wee…. How long does it generally take? Thank you - first experience of this!

3 days is too short a course for me now
You might find you will need to back for a longer course

Ok thank you - I’ll guess I will know when the three days is up..

Last time I had a uti, my gp said it was pointless giving abs for three days and then coming back when they hadn't worked, she prescribed a five day course. She said they were advised to prescribe three day courses by the DOH, probably to save money, short termism!

Ok. I guess my body doesn’t know how many are coming so in that case I wouldn’t be expecting it to be a whole lot better just yet. Thank you

It depends on the UTI. I have a rapid onset version going from zero to collapsed on the floor with pain. Fortunately recovery for me is very quick. Usually getting initial relief within an hour or so and fully better (although shattered) by next day although I have to finish AB course.
Have you had a swab done as it maybe that a different antibiotic would work better for you as this sounds as though nothing is happening. Assume you are doing all the usual things such as drinking loads of water and pouring water over yourself when you wee? I can also recommend (tmi here sorry) weeing in the bath to stop the stinging.

Sometimes a UTI be resistant and your GP might get you to take a stronger antibiotic. For the symptoms if you pour some water with witch hazel in over after using the loo, it can take the edge off for a short while. Think you can get it in boots. And drinking a shot of Apple cider vinegar, warm water and honey 3 times a day can help reduce symptoms a lot. I used to get a lot of UTIs, hope yours goes soon!

Oh thank you! So my gp couldn’t see me yesterday and they couldn’t guarantee today either - so I went to a pharmacist and took a dip stock thing and they saw what was in the urine and gave me those antibiotics. I will try my doctor again if it’s no better after another 24 hours once I’ve taken 4. I’ll also give the apple cider honey ago too!!