Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common infections affecting any part of the urinary system, including the bladder, kidneys, and urethra. They occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract, typically through the urethra, and multiply. While bacteria are the primary cause, certain medications can alter the body’s environment or defenses, increasing a person’s susceptibility to developing a UTI. Understanding these medication-related risks can help individuals and healthcare providers manage and prevent such infections effectively.
Medications That Increase UTI Risk
Several classes of medications are associated with an elevated risk of UTIs. These drugs, while beneficial for their intended purposes, can create conditions that favor bacterial growth or impair the body’s natural defenses. Commonly implicated medications include SGLT2 inhibitors, anticholinergic medications, and immunosuppressants.
SGLT2 inhibitors are a class of oral medications primarily used to manage blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. They are also prescribed for chronic kidney disease and heart failure, even in patients without diabetes, due to their kidney and heart protective benefits. Examples include dapagliflozin, empagliflozin, and canagliflozin.
Anticholinergic medications are a broad group of drugs that block the action of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger in the body. This class of drugs is prescribed for various conditions, including overactive bladder, irritable bowel syndrome, certain respiratory disorders like COPD, allergies, and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Common examples include oxybutynin, tolterodine, and diphenhydramine.
Immunosuppressants are medications designed to reduce the activity of the body’s immune system. They are primarily used to prevent organ rejection after transplantation and to treat autoimmune diseases where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or Crohn’s disease. These medications include calcineurin inhibitors like cyclosporine and tacrolimus, as well as glucocorticoids.
How These Medications Elevate Risk
The mechanisms by which these medications increase UTI risk vary depending on their primary action within the body.
SGLT2 inhibitors work by causing the kidneys to excrete more glucose into the urine. This increased glucose creates a nutrient-rich environment in the urinary tract, promoting bacterial growth, such as E. coli, the most common cause of UTIs.
Anticholinergic medications elevate UTI risk by interfering with normal bladder function. By blocking acetylcholine, these drugs can lead to reduced bladder muscle contraction and incomplete bladder emptying, a condition known as urinary retention. When urine remains in the bladder, bacteria have more time to multiply and ascend the urinary tract, increasing infection likelihood.
Immunosuppressants directly weaken the body’s immune response. By suppressing the immune system, these medications diminish the body’s ability to fight off infections, including those in the urinary tract. Patients taking these drugs have a reduced capacity to clear invading pathogens, making them more vulnerable to UTIs and potentially more severe infections.
Recognizing Symptoms and Next Steps
Recognizing the symptoms of a UTI is important for prompt management. Common signs include pain or a burning sensation during urination, frequent urges to urinate, needing to urinate more often at night, and cloudy or strong-smelling urine. Some individuals might also experience lower abdominal or back pain, or a general feeling of being unwell.
If these symptoms appear, especially when taking medications that increase UTI risk, contact a healthcare professional without delay. A doctor can diagnose the infection, often through a urine test, and prescribe appropriate treatment, typically antibiotics. Complete the entire course of prescribed antibiotics, even if symptoms improve, to ensure the infection is fully eradicated and prevent recurrence. Never stop prescribed medications without consulting your healthcare provider, as this could have serious health consequences. Discussing preventative measures with a doctor, such as adequate fluid intake and proper hygiene, can also be beneficial.