Oral antibiotics can treat most bladder infections and uncomplicated kidney infections successfully. In many cases, if the symptoms and 
urinalysis suggest a urinary tract infection (UTI), you will start taking antibiotics without waiting for the results of a urine culture.

	How long you will need to take antibiotics depends on the location of the infection, your age, your gender, and any complicating 
medical conditions?

Women with uncomplicated bladder infections (cystitis) usually take antibiotics for 3 days. In the past, longer courses of treatment were 
common, but studies show that the shorter course of antibiotics is just as effective and causes fewer side effects.

Women with bladder infections who have had a recent UTI or who have symptoms for more than 7 days may require a 7-day course 
of antibiotics.



Men with bladder infections usually take antibiotics for 7 to 14 days. If the prostate is infected as well, treatment may last 4 weeks or more.

Men and women with kidney infections (pyelonephritis) may take antibiotics for 10 to 14 days. In severe cases, treatment may 
require intravenous (IV) antibiotics and fluids in a hospital.

Men and women who are older than 65, have diabetes or an impaired immune system, or have other urinary problems usually 
require longer courses of antibiotics. 

People who have infections that do not respond to treatment or are complicated by other factors may require longer antibiotic therapy.

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