Spectrum: Local Antimicrobial Stewardship, for Eastern Health

Uncomplicated Cystitis Duration of Therapy

Recommended Duration

3-5 days

β-lactam antibiotics generally require longer treatment courses compared to other drugs and have higher failure rates even when organism susceptibility is confirmed. 3 day regimen not recommended when using these agents.

Shortest Duration

Minimum duration studied without evidence of reduced efficacy

3 days

β-lactam antibiotics generally require longer treatment courses compared to other drugs and have higher failure rates even when organism susceptibility is confirmed. 3 day regimen not recommended when using these agents.

Excluded Patients

Applies only to young female patients with normal urinary tracts

Uncomplicated Cystitis Therapy

Additional Notes

  • Short duration therapy for uncomplicated cystitis in otherwise healthy, young women is supported by guidelines

  • Adapted from AMMI Canada Position Statement on the Appropriate Duration of Antimicrobial Therapy
    (2018)

More Information

References
  1. Katchman, Chrisiaens, Baerheim, Leibovici. Duration of antibacterial treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infection in women (review). Cochrane Collaboration. 2(CD004682). 2005
  2. Gupta, Hooton, Naber et al., International clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of acute uncomplicated cystitis and pyelonephritis in women: a 2010 update by the infectious diseases society of America and the European society for microbiology and infectious diseases. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 1(52):e103-120. 2010