If you have a bladder infection, there are a few different options for over-the-counter bladder infection treatment. In general, only antibiotics can get rid of bladder infections, but drug stores usually carry medicines to help with the symptoms. The best over-the-counter bladder infection treatment for your symptoms is most likely any type of medicine containing phenazopyridine, which helps to decrease the pain and urgency associated with urination during a bladder infection. If one of your bladder infection symptoms is lower back pain, which is fairly common, you might also benefit from taking over-the-counter pain relievers containing either acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help deal with the pain.
Medicines containing phenazopyridine are available under a variety of different brand names. Most of these drugs come in pill form, and you may notice that your urine becomes a very dark orange-brown color after taking them. The dark color can permanently stain your clothing if you happen to get any urine on your clothes, so you should probably take care to avoid that. Most people who take phenazopyridine drugs report relief from bladder infection symptoms almost immediately. It is important to remember that phenazopyridine drugs should only be taken temporarily, as they will not cure your bladder infection, and you will most likely have to see a doctor for a prescription of antibiotics to completely eliminate your infection.
There are some things you can use at home in addition to over-the-counter bladder infection treatment to help ease your symptoms. Water is very beneficial for all types of infections, including bladder infections. By drinking lots of water, you are helping to flush the bacteria out of your system. Most doctors also advise patients to drink lots of cranberry juice if they are experiencing bladder infection symptoms. Cranberry juice can prevent the bacteria in the urinary tract from binding to the bladder, which should decrease the severity of symptoms.
In addition to over-the-counter bladder infection treatments, there are also bladder infection tests at most drug stores that you can take at home to determine whether you have a bladder infection. To use these tests, you normally have to urinate on a stick in much the same way as you would with a pregnancy test. After a few minutes, the results will display indicating whether you might have a bladder infection. If the test indicates that an infection is present, you should see your doctor as soon as possible for treatment.