Concern Over UTI Treatment at Urgent Care
Height: 5'9" Weight: 150 lbs I’m reaching out for some insight—am I overreacting, or is this clinic truly neglecting my health? My urinary tract infection has persisted for nearly a month, and I'm increasingly anxious that it might escalate into a kidney infection or become chronic. About three weeks back, I was diagnosed with a UTI, and a telehealth physician prescribed a regimen of 100 mg Macrobid, taken twice daily for ten days. The discomfort subsided during the treatment, but two days following the completion, the symptoms reemerged. I sought help at Urgent Care, where they recommended Cephalexin every eight hours for ten days, justifying their choice by labeling it as a broad-spectrum antibiotic—a decision I found peculiar since I’ve never encountered this drug being prescribed specifically for UTIs. They assured me they would provide the results of the urine culture in three days to determine if a different antibiotic would be necessary. This approach feels unusual to me; I’ve always been instructed to finish an antibiotic course, regardless of the symptoms. When the follow-up phone call came in three days later, they informed me that no bacterial growth was detected in my urine. I still felt unwell, prompting them to suggest doxycycline as the next course of action. I expressed my reservations about doxycycline due to my adverse reactions—it often makes me vomit—so they switched me to Cipro instead. Complicating my concerns, they did not advise me to discontinue Cephalexin. I’m uncertain whether I should continue taking Cephalexin while starting Cipro, or if I should stop Cephalexin altogether before beginning the new medication. Should I push for a doctor's evaluation to get a second opinion on my situation?
Answers (1)
7/22/2025, 4:31:13 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're feeling quite anxious about your urinary tract infection (UTI) treatment and the complexities surrounding your care. Let's break down your situation and focus on the critical steps you can take.
Summary of Your Situation:
- Persistent UTI Symptoms: You've had UTI symptoms for nearly a month despite a course of antibiotics.
- Current Treatment Concerns: You were prescribed Cephalexin and are now being considered for Cipro, with questions about whether to continue taking Cephalexin.
- Anxiety About Health: Due to the prolonged symptoms and treatment changes, you're feeling uncertain and want to ensure you're receiving appropriate care.
Explanation:
UTIs can sometimes be tricky to treat, especially if they do not respond as expected to first-line antibiotics. It's not uncommon for healthcare providers to switch antibiotics based on specific circumstances, including urine culture results. However, switching medications while on another can be confusing and might lead to increased risk of side effects or ineffective treatment.
Next Steps:
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Clarify Instructions:
- Contact the clinic or your pharmacy to clarify whether you should continue taking Cephalexin while starting Cipro. Generally, it’s recommended to not take two antibiotics at the same time without specific guidance from a healthcare provider.
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Monitor Your Symptoms:
- Keep track of your symptoms, including any side effects from the antibiotics. Note any changes, both improvements or worsening, especially after starting any new medication.
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Evaluate Need for Further Evaluation:
- If your symptoms persist or worsen, or if new symptoms appear (such as fever, chills, or abdominal pain), seeking a second opinion could be beneficial. Requesting an evaluation from a different healthcare provider may provide you with reassurance and an alternative perspective on your treatment plan.
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Hydration:
- Stay well-hydrated as it can help flush bacteria from your urinary tract and may ease symptoms.
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Education and Communication:
- Don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider for clarity on treatment options or express any discomfort regarding prescribed medications. Being proactive in your care is crucial.
Your concern is valid, and addressing it openly with your healthcare provider is often the best way forward. Remember, it’s important to prioritize your well-being and comfort throughout this process. Let me know if you have further questions or need additional support!
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