Medication

You can purchase over-the-counter remedies for bacterial cystitis from your local pharmacist. These contain potassium or sodium citrate. They work by making the urine alkaline and thus easing discomfort. Check with your GP or pharmacist that these can be taken in addition to any other medication you may be taking.

Hiprex

Hiprex (methenamine hippurate) is an antibacterial agent used to prevent recurrent urinary tract infection. It may be obtained on prescription or alternatively purchased over the counter at your local pharmacy.

D-Mannose

D-Mannose is a type of naturally occurring sugar. When taken, it encourages E-Coli bacteria to attach to it prevents them from attaching to the bladder lining.

If self-help methods have no effect and symptoms continue, then you should consult your GP. A course of antibiotics may be required.

To join the discussions on which treatments have helped others, visit the BHUK Message Boards, BC Forum.

Uromune®

Uromune® is an inactivated bacterial, sublingual vaccine trialled in women who experience recurrent urinary tract infection and who have not responded to mainstream treatment including prophylactic antibiotics. 

The vaccine is an equal measure of Eschericchia Coli, Klebsiella Pneumoniae, Proteus Vulgaris and Enterococcus Faecalis delivered as a sub-lingual spray.

Intravesical Instillation treatment for Bacterial Cystitis/UTI

Intravesical treatments are placed directly into the bladder via a small catheter. These include Cystitstat®, Hyacyst^® Uracyst®, iAluRil®, and Gepan® instill. For more information please click here.