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Are there any over-the-counter treatments for urinary tract infections?

A urinary tract infection (UTIs) occurs when bacteria and other infectious organisms invade the urethra, bladder, ureters, or kidneys. An infection in any part of the urinary tract can cause a frequent and urgent need to urinate, burning or painful urination, and blood in the urine. UTIs are more common in women than in men.

The most effective treatments for UTIs are prescription antibiotics.

While over-the-counter medicines offer relief from the pain and discomfort of these infections, they don't cure UTIs. Over-the-counter products include Cystex and AZO or Uristat. Cystex contains the antibacterial methenamine as well as sodium salicylate, a pain reliever. >AZO and >Uristat contain the medicine phenazopyridine, which works in the bladder to relieve pain. Don't be alarmed if phenazopyridine turns your urine an orange-red color. This is normal.

Sources:
Micromedex® Healthcare Series. Thomson Micromedex, 2007
Cystex product information, Numark Laboratories Inc., 1999.
Swartzberg, J. E., S. Margen. The UC Berkeley Wellness Self-Care Handbook. Rebus Inc. 1998.
Urinary Tract Infection in Adults. National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/urolog/pubs/utiadult/utiadult.htm. Last accessed 7/25/01.
Drug Facts and Comparisons. Facts & Comparisons, 2007.

This answer prepared 7/25/2001.
This information updated 1/3/2007.