TREATMENT OF URINARY-TRACT INFECTIONS

Numerous antimicrobial agents are available for the successful treatment of urinary tract infections. As rising costs assume greater significance, the proper choice of medication may fulfill both fiscal and clinical imperatives. Any credible therapy must be guided by patients' clinical characteristics, urinary findings, appropriate culture, and in vitro susceptibility testing. The selection of the appropriate antimicrobial medication should take into consideration the most likely pathogen, clinical setting, degree of host debilitation, and possibility of bacterial resistance. In addition, the possibility of drug toxicity, patient tolerance, adverse interactions with other medications, and questions of compliance and cost must be addressed.