Cystitis Service

What is Cystitis?

Cystitis is an inflammatory infection of the bladder, typically caused by urethral damage, or improperly emptying the bladder. Some symptoms that may indicate cystitis include a more frequent need to urinate, a burning sensation during urination, pain in the lower abdomen, or your urine being strong-smelling or cloudy.

Although women more commonly experience cystitis, men and children are also susceptible, and anyone affected should meet with their GP to ensure there are no underlying conditions.

Fortunately, most cases will clear up by themselves over a couple of days. But if your condition hasn’t changed, or has worsened, an antibiotic treatment can be prescribed.

Cystitis treatment

The antibiotic Nitrofurantoin is the most commonly prescribed treatment for cystitis, and our Amiry & Gilbride pharmacies are happy to provide this treatment following a short consultation – with no prescription needed.

The antibiotic will clear symptoms up within a 24-hour window in most cases, but it’s important to refrain from sex until your treatment has fully concluded, otherwise you risk worsening the infection.

Nitrofurantoin

This is the standard medication for cystitis, and it works by targeting the bacteria responsible for bladder infections. It’s commonly sold under the brand name MacroBid, with a fairly short course of three days, with one tablet in the morning and evening of each day.

How does it work?

Antibiotics kill harmful bacteria, but some antibiotics are more effective than others. Nitrofurantoin differs from other antibiotics because most of it passes through your urine. This wouldn’t be very helpful for most bacterial infections, but is perfect for targeting cystitis.

What dosage of Nitrofurantoin do I need?

Each tablet you take is made up of a 100mg dose of Nitrofurantoin, and by taking one tablet both in the morning and evening, the infection should clear within the three days of the prescribed dosage. Swallowing them with water and taking them at the same time each day also helps boost their effectiveness.

What is the difference between Macrobid and Nitrofurantoin?

Macrobid is simply the most common branded distributor of nitrofurantoin. The medicine is available through other companies, but Macrobid is the most common choice.

Nitrofurantoin and Alcohol

Although nitrofurantoin and alcohol don’t interact, and the medicine won’t lose effectiveness with alcohol consumption, it’s advised that you avoid alcohol when you have a bladder infection. Providing your body with simple, soothing drinks, like water or herbal tea, will help your body and the medication to flush out the infection.

Side effects

There is a wide array of side effects to be aware of when taking Nitrofurantoin, but this doesn’t mean you’ll experience all – or any – of them. Treatments are usually a smooth process, but keep an eye out for: diarrhoea, nausea, headaches, abdominal pains, stomach problems, vomiting, loss of appetite, rashes, blistering, flaking, rapid heart rate, fever, facial pains, drowsiness, dizziness, or even short-term hair loss.

Some symptoms may appear in later tests, such as a change in your blood cell count, inflammation of the pancreas, or delayed blood clotting. You may notice the blood cell change through unusual bruising, anaemia, or even colds and throat infections.

Before prescribing the medication, we have a short consultation to factor in any allergies, conditions, or other medications that may be affected by Nitrofurantoin. If everything is in order, you’ll start your dosage, and our pharmacists will remind you of the possible side effects you may encounter.

Allergic reactions present themselves through wheezing and shortness of breath, as well as swelling in the eyes, mouth, and face. If any of these symptoms appear, stop taking the medicine and seek urgent medical attention.

Availability

We’re always happy to help, and you can always pop into your local Amiry & Gilbride pharmacy when it suits you. If it’s easier, you can also visit your preferred pharmacy page to discuss any enquiries about our services.