Treatm ent options
for fem ale patients
For the uncomplicated lower UTI (dysuria, with no
systemic signs and a positive dipstick test) in female,
older patients, a short course (3 days) of trimethoprim
200 mg tds or nitrofurantoin 50 mg qds is considered
sufficient, subject to an allergy check. Clinicians should
refer to local guidelines before prescribing medication.
The guidelines for patients with recurrent, non-resolving
UTIs, or for those who are catheterised or pregnant, are
different as well, so it is important to refer to guidelines
for a patient’s UTI on an individual basis (NICE, 2014a).
A poor glomerular filtration rate (GFR), reduced renal
function, or the inability to take oral medication will necessitate
a review of the medication. Moreover, there may be
interactions with medication in older people, e.g. warfarin,
digoxin, phenytoin, and some immunosuppressant drugs.