For uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in adults, the appropriate duration of antibiotic treatment is typically short, often around 3 to 5 days, depending on the antibiotic used and patient factors. UK guidelines recommend a short course of antibiotics for lower UTIs in adults, generally 3 days for women, as this duration is effective and reduces the risk of antibiotic resistance and adverse effects. The choice of antibiotic and exact duration should be guided by local resistance patterns and clinical response NICE NG224.
Recent literature supports this approach, emphasizing that short-course antibiotic therapy is effective for uncomplicated UTIs and is associated with fewer side effects and lower risk of resistance compared to longer courses de Cueto et al. 2017. Treatment duration may be extended in men or complicated cases, but for uncomplicated infections in otherwise healthy adults, 3 to 5 days is sufficient Lashkar & Nahata 2018.
In summary: For uncomplicated UTIs in adults, a 3-day course of appropriate oral antibiotics is generally recommended, with adjustments based on clinical judgement and microbiological data NICE NG224 de Cueto et al. 2017 Lashkar & Nahata 2018.
Key References
- NG224 - Urinary tract infection in under 16s: diagnosis and management
- NG19 - Diabetic foot problems: prevention and management
- NG147 - Diverticular disease: diagnosis and management
- (de Cueto et al., 2017): Executive summary of the diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract infection: Guidelines of the Spanish Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (SEIMC).
- (Lashkar and Nahata, 2018): Antimicrobial Pharmacotherapy Management of Urinary Tract Infections in Pediatric Patients.