WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT FOR A KIDNEY INFECTION?

* Be aware that the recommended treatments of illnesses are always being improved. This website was last update on 11/1/2024. The best treatment option MIGHT have changed since that time.

Oral antibiotics (Pills)
A. Ciprofloxacin * 500 mg orally twice a day for 7 days
B. Levofloxacin * 250 -500 mg orally once a day for 5 days < 10% of the bacteria in the community are resistant
C. TMP/SMX * 160/800 mg orally twice a day for 14 days. In some parts of the US, > 20% of E. coli are resistant to sulfa
D. Oloxacin *
E. Cefixime * Supra

Intravenous (IV) Antibiotics - If the infection is bad
A. Ciprofloxacin IV *
B. Levofloxacin IV *
C. Ampicillin plus gentamicin IV *
D. Plazomicin IV
E. Ceftriaxone IV *
F. Cefotaxime IV
G. Cefepime IV
H. Aztreonam IV
I. Gentamycin IV

CAUTION:

1. All medications have a risk of side effects.
2. Mild side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, itching, and light skin rash.
3. Possible Severe side effects are a severe skin rash, an anaphylactic allergic reaction (leading to the inability to breathe and subsequent death if not treated rapidly), and Clostridioides difficile infection (C. Diff.) of the colon.
4. Medications such as creams, lotions, and gels should be tested in small dosages in areas of the body that are not easily seen.

Consult “Epocrates.com” for each Specific Medication’s possible “Adverse Reactions.” Side effects are also referred to as “Adverse Reactions.” Epocrates.com will tell you both “common reactions” and “serious reactions.” You will have to create an account, but it is simple, fast, and free.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A KIDNEY INFECTION (ALSO CALLED PYELONEPHRITIS)?

The primary symptoms of a kidney infection is back pain in the area of the kidneys, fever, chills, nausea and vomiting. Since a kidney infection often follows a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) many of the symptoms of a Kidney Infection also occur during a UTI. Some of these symptoms are the following: burning feeling or pain when urinating, having to urinate often, blood in the urine, lower abdominal pain, and urine that is cloudy and smells bad.

WHAT CAUSES A KIDNEY INFECTION?

There are three main causes of a Kidney Infection. The first one is by far the most common a Urinary Tract Infection. A bacteria travels up the urethra through the bladder, up the ureters, and into the kidney.

The second cause is from a bacteria that gets into the blood of a person and travels to the kidney. And the third is during some type of kidney surgery, such as kidney transplant, a bacteria is introduced.

The most common bacteria that causes a Bladder Infection (75-95%) is a bacteria called Escherichia Coli (E. Coli). It is in every human’s colon. And what normally happens is that E. Coli migrates from around the anus area up the urethra to the bladder, and hence a Bladder Infection occurs. The normal bladder does NOT have any bacteria. Other gram negative bacteria that could cause a Urinary Tract Infection are the following: Klebsiella, Proteus Mirabilis, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa.

The most common gram positive bacteria that can cause a UTI is Staphylococcus Saprophyticus is isolated in 5 to 10% of bacterial UTIs. Two other gram positive bacteria that can cause a UTI are the following: Enterococcus Faecalis (group D Streptococci) and Streptococcus Agalactiae (Group B Streptococci)

HOW IS A KIDNEY INFECTION DIAGNOSED?

Ideally, people believe they have a kidney infection should be seen in person, so that a careful history, a physical exam, and laboratory exams can all be done or at least started within a few hours. If a person has no other alternatives, a person may consider getting care by telemedicine. People who kidney infection who do not receive prompt care risk permanent damage to their kidneys and a worsening of symptoms.

A physical exam is helpful to check for lower abdominal discomfort and back pain in the area of the kidneys. Blood test are also helpful. The urine can be checked in the office for signs of white blood cells, red blood cells, and nitrites. The urine can be examined under a microscope as well. In addition, the urine can be sent to a lab for a culture that will look for the specific cause of the UTI, and the antibiotics that will help the best to treat the infection.

In cases that are difficult to treat—or there is concern of a physical abnormality, other test can be ordered. Some of these test are the following: ultrasonography, CT scan of the kidneys, intravenous urography (IVU), voiding cystourethrography, a retrograde urethrography, or a cystoscopy.