What are the standard oral drugs used to treat UTIs?

The standard oral drugs used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) typically include a range of antibiotics that are effective against the common pathogens responsible for these infections. Bactrim (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole), quinolones (such as ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin), and beta-lactams (like amoxicillin and amoxicillin-clavulanate) are recommended due to their good efficacy, safety profiles, and ability to achieve effective concentrations in the urine.

Bactrim is a commonly used first-line treatment because it targets Escherichia coli, which is the most frequent cause of uncomplicated UTIs. Quinolones are also effective but are generally reserved for more complicated cases or when there are resistance concerns. Beta-lactams can also be used, although they might not be the first choice in all cases due to potential resistance patterns among uropathogens.

In contrast, azithromycin and tetracycline are not typically used as first-line treatments for UTIs and are more effective against other types of infections, such as respiratory or atypical bacterial infections. Amoxicillin, while a beta-lactam and indeed used in certain cases, when paired with clindamycin is not a