Treatments
Request UTI treatment online for a urine infection. A UK-registered clinician reviews your symptoms in confidence, with discreet UK delivery if antibiotics are suitable.
Introduction
A urinary tract infection (UTI) happens when bacteria infect the bladder (cystitis) or, less often, the kidneys. Typical bladder symptoms include burning when you pass urine, needing to go more often, and cloudy or strong-smelling urine.
Private Pharmacy Care can review uncomplicated lower UTIs in eligible adults after an online consultation. Kidney infections and people who are severely unwell need urgent in-person care.
Antibiotics are used when a bacterial UTI is likely and the benefits outweigh the risks.
The condition
A urinary tract infection (UTI) happens when bacteria infect the urine passages. The most common type in otherwise healthy women is cystitis, an infection of the bladder. Typical symptoms are burning when you pass urine, needing to go more often and more urgently, and urine that smells strong or looks cloudy.
A kidney infection (pyelonephritis) is more serious. It often adds fever, shaking, pain in the loin or back, vomiting, and feeling very unwell. That needs urgent in-person care, not a routine posted antibiotic. Men, pregnant people, children, and people with catheters or kidney disease are more likely to have a complicated infection.
Private Pharmacy Care can review uncomplicated lower UTIs in eligible adults after an online consultation. A clinician decides if an antibiotic is appropriate. Completing a form does not guarantee a prescription. Always read the patient information leaflet. Cranberry products do not treat an active bacterial infection.
Symptoms
Lower UTI symptoms are focused on passing urine. Fever, loin pain and vomiting suggest the kidneys may be involved. Blood in the urine without typical cystitis, or symptoms in a child, need a different assessment.
Causes
Most community UTIs are caused by bacteria from the gut, often Escherichia coli, that enter the urethra. Anything that makes it easier for bacteria to linger increases risk.
Treatments
This is a guide to how uncomplicated cystitis is managed in the UK. A clinician decides whether an antibiotic is justified. Completing a consultation does not guarantee a prescription. Self-care is not a substitute for urgent care if you have kidney or sepsis symptoms.
Products
Nitrofurantoin 100mg MR capsules for lower UTIs. One capsule twice daily for 3 days. £9.50. Pharmacist review required…
Nitrofurantoin 50mg tablets for lower UTIs. One tablet four times a day for 3 days. £9.50. Pharmacist review…
Trimethoprim 100mg tablets for urine infections. Two tablets twice daily for 3 days. £9.50. Pharmacist review required before…
Trimethoprim 200mg tablets for urine infections. One tablet twice daily for 3 days. £9.50. Pharmacist review required before…
Benefits
When a clinician confirms that a simple cystitis presentation is likely, a short antibiotic course may be appropriate. You will also get advice on hydration and when to seek further help.
Describe symptoms from home without waiting for a routine appointment, subject to clinical eligibility.
If an antibiotic is used, the choice and duration follow safety and resistance considerations.
You will know which symptoms mean kidney infection or sepsis and need urgent care.
Approved treatment is supplied by our pharmacy where a prescription is issued.
Eligibility
Remote UTI treatment is generally for non-pregnant adults with typical lower-tract symptoms and no red flags. Pregnancy, catheters, kidney disease, and male UTIs often need a different pathway.
A clinician decides whether treatment is appropriate. Completing a consultation does not guarantee a prescription.
Start a consultation
Complete a short online consultation. A UK-registered clinician reviews your answers before any treatment is supplied.
How it works
If prescribed, antibiotics kill or stop the growth of bacteria in the urinary tract. Symptom relief often begins within a day or two, but you should finish the course. Pain relief such as paracetamol may help if it is safe for you. Cranberry products are not a substitute for treatment of an active infection.
Answer a short, confidential questionnaire about your symptoms, medical history and current medicines.
A UK-registered clinician reviews your answers to check the treatment is safe and appropriate for you.
If a prescription is issued, our pharmacy dispenses the medicine and sends it in discreet UK packaging.
Questions after you start treatment? Contact the team and we will help you with next steps.
Safety
UTIs can progress. Worsening fever, back pain, confusion, or inability to keep fluids down needs urgent assessment.
Tell us about antibiotic allergies. Some antibiotics are unsuitable in pregnancy or with certain other medicines.
Side effects
Antibiotics commonly upset the gut. Thrush can follow a course. Serious allergy is uncommon but needs emergency care.
Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with a medicine. This page is general information and is not a substitute for personalised clinical advice.
Using treatment
Always read the patient information leaflet for the antibiotic you are prescribed. Finish the course unless a clinician tells you to stop. The steps below are general.
If you have become much more unwell while waiting, seek urgent care instead of starting a delayed pack at home.
Some nitrofurantoin products are taken with food. Do not crush modified-release capsules. If you miss a dose, follow the leaflet — do not double up.
Symptoms often improve within 48 hours. Stopping early encourages surviving bacteria and resistance.
If you are worse after a day or two, or you develop fever or back pain, do not wait until the pack is finished — seek further care. Do not share leftover tablets.
Safety netting
Cystitis is miserable but usually improves with the right antibiotic when one is needed. Kidney infection and sepsis can develop quickly. Pregnancy plus urinary symptoms needs same-day professional advice.
Common questions
Tap a question to see the answer. If you still need help, our team is ready to assist.
No. The clinician may advise self-care, a delayed prescription approach, or in-person testing if your story is not typical.
Many people improve within 48 hours of starting an appropriate antibiotic. If you are worse, seek further care rather than waiting.
Male UTIs are more often complicated. We may not prescribe remotely and may signpost you to a GP.
No. It does not replace antibiotics when a bacterial infection needs treatment.
Remote treatment is based on symptoms and history. Recurrent, unclear, or high-risk cases should have GP testing.
Why choose us
A regulated UK pharmacy service with clinician review, discreet delivery and support if you have questions after treatment is supplied.
Every request is reviewed by a UK-registered clinician before a medicine can be prescribed.
Complete a private questionnaire from home. Your information is used to check that treatment is safe and appropriate.
If a prescription is issued, our pharmacy dispenses it and sends it in plain packaging.
We ask about your symptoms, medical history and other medicines. Completing a form does not guarantee a prescription.
Questions about side effects or how to take a medicine? Contact the team and we will help you with next steps.
Private Pharmacy Care is a UK pharmacy service. Named clinicians and public register details are listed on our clinical team page.
Sources
This page is general information for UK patients. It is not a substitute for the patient information leaflet or personalised clinical advice.
Thank you. Your consultation request is awaiting clinical review.
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