Bladder infections are treated with antibacterial drugs, and the choice of medication and the duration of treatment depend upon the patients past medical history and the results of the urine test, which clearly identifies the problem-causing bacteria. The sensitivity test is also useful in helping the physician select the best drug for the condition.

Some of the commonly used drugs to treat regular or uncomplicated bladder infections are: trimethoprim; trimethoprim/ sulfamethoxazole; amoxicillin; nitrofurantoin and ampicillin. All these drugs are sold under various brand names in the market and are only available with a doctors prescription. Self-medication is not advised.

Very often, bladder infections can be cured within 2-3 days of treatment if the infection is not too severe or complicated. However, most doctors advise that these antibiotics be taken for a week or two to make sure that the infection has been completely cured so that there are no chances of it recurring. However, single-dose treatments may not be suggested for certain patients who show signs of kidney infection or who have delayed the treatment by not taking immediate action. People who have diabetes or structural abnormalities, and men with prostrate infections, are also advised against single-dose treatments. Such patients need longer treatment, as do patients with infections caused by mycoplasma or chlamydia.

Chronically ill patients with kidney infections have to be hospitalized until they can start to take fluids and the recommended drugs on their own. Kidney infections generally require several weeks of antibiotic treatment. Medical researchers have found that a 2-week therapy with antibiotics was as effective as 6 weeks of treatment with the same drug in women with kidney infections (that did not involve an obstruction or nervous system disorder). In most such cases, kidney infections usually do not lead to kidney damage or failure unless they go completely untreated.

Various drugs are available to provide relief from pain associated with bladder infections. A heating pad and a warm bath may usually provide some relief. Most doctors suggest that drinking plenty of water helps cleanse the urinary tract of bacteria, and that coffee, alcohol and spicy food is best avoided during illness.