The antibiotics commonly used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) include:

• Nitrofurantoin (brands: Furadantin, Macrobid, Macrodantin)
• Fosfomycin (Monurol)
• Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra)

These are usually considered first-line treatments for uncomplicated UTIs. If one of these has been used recently, a different antibiotic may be chosen. Other options when first-line antibiotics are not suitable include some cephalosporins such as cefpodoxime, cefdinir, cephalexin, or cefadroxil, and amoxicillin/clavulanate (Augmentin). Ampicillin and amoxicillin alone are generally not preferred due to resistance. For more severe or complicated UTIs, intravenous antibiotics such as ertapenem, piperacillin-tazobactam, fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin), gentamicin, tobramycin, ceftriaxone, and cefepime may be used in hospital settings. There is also a new antibiotic called Blujepa (gepotidacin) approved in 2025 for uncomplicated UTIs in females 12 years and older. Treatment length varies from a single dose to 5-10 days or longer for complicated infections. The choice depends on the type of UTI, patient history, and local resistance patterns. Overall, nitrofurantoin, fosfomycin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole remain the most common antibiotics for uncomplicated UTIs.