From the FDA Drug Label
14 CLINICAL STUDIES 14. 1 Lower Respiratory Tract and Complicated Urinary Tract Infections
Data from 2 pivotal trials in 1,191 patients treated for either lower respiratory tract infections or complicated urinary tract infections compared a regimen of 875 mg/125 mg amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium tablets every 12 hours to 500 mg/125 mg amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium tablets dosed every 8 hours (584 and 607 patients, respectively). In one of these pivotal trials, patients with either pyelonephritis (n = 361) or a complicated urinary tract infection (i.e., patients with abnormalities of the urinary tract that predispose to relapse of bacteriuria following eradication, n = 268) were randomized (1:1) to receive either 875 mg/125 mg amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium tablets every 12 hours (n = 308) or 500 mg/125 mg amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium tablets every 8 hours (n = 321)
The most effective antibiotic treatment for Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in individuals trying to conceive is not explicitly stated in the provided drug label. The label discusses the efficacy of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium tablets in treating complicated urinary tract infections, but it does not provide information specific to individuals trying to conceive. Key points:
- The drug label discusses the treatment of complicated urinary tract infections.
- It does not provide information on the treatment of UTIs in individuals trying to conceive.
- The label does not address the safety or efficacy of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium tablets in pregnant or breastfeeding women, or in individuals trying to conceive 1.
From the Research
For women trying to conceive who have a urinary tract infection (UTI), the recommended first-line antibiotic treatment is typically nitrofurantoin (Macrobid) 100 mg taken orally twice daily for 5-7 days, as it has been shown to have a significantly greater likelihood of clinical and microbiologic resolution compared to other options, such as fosfomycin 2. This medication is considered safe during pregnancy and while trying to conceive. Some key points to consider when treating UTIs in women trying to conceive include:
- Completing the full course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if symptoms improve
- Drinking plenty of water to help flush out bacteria
- Avoiding alcohol and caffeine during treatment, as these can irritate the bladder
- Informing your doctor if you suspect you may be pregnant during treatment Alternative options include trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim) or cephalexin (Keflex), but these should only be used if nitrofurantoin is not suitable and after consulting with a healthcare provider 3. Nitrofurantoin is preferred because it concentrates in the urinary tract, effectively treating the infection while minimizing systemic exposure, which reduces potential risks to a developing embryo if conception occurs during treatment 2. After completing the antibiotic course, consider taking probiotics to help restore beneficial gut bacteria. If UTI symptoms persist or worsen, contact your healthcare provider immediately for further evaluation. It's also important to note that the use of antibiotics, such as nitrofurantoin, can lead to the development of antimicrobial resistance, which is a public health concern 4. However, the benefits of using nitrofurantoin to treat UTIs in women trying to conceive outweigh the risks, and it remains the recommended first-line treatment option 2.