Cochrane Database Syst Rev

NSAIDs less effective than antibiotics for uncomplicated UTIs

December 23, 2024

Study design: This Cochrane review analyzed six randomized controlled trials involving 1,646 non-pregnant adult women with symptomatic uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs). The studies compared the effectiveness of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and antibiotics in treating UTI symptoms.

Results: NSAIDs were found to be less effective than antibiotics in resolving UTI symptoms in the short term (1-4 days) and medium term (5-10 days). Women treated with NSAIDs experienced a longer duration of symptoms and a higher likelihood of requiring antibiotics by day 30. Adverse events were similar between the two groups.

Impact on clinical practice: While NSAIDs may offer some symptomatic relief, they aren't as effective as antibiotics in resolving UTIs.

Source:

Sachdeva A, et al. (2024, December 19). Cochrane Database Syst Rev. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for treating symptomatic uncomplicated urinary tract infections in non-pregnant adult women. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39698942/