Urinary tract infections (uncomplicated)
A urinary tract infection is a bacterial infection of the bladder, most often causing a burning feeling when you pee, needing to go more often or more urgently, and sometimes cloudy or strong-smelling urine or lower-belly discomfort. Uncomplicated bladder infections are very common, especially in women, and respond well to a short course of antibiotics. In Ontario, a pharmacist can assess your symptoms and, for an uncomplicated UTI, prescribe an appropriate antibiotic — part of that assessment is making sure your symptoms point to a simple bladder infection and not something that needs a doctor.
Self-care products available in our shop
- Urinary pain relief (e.g., phenazopyridine/Uristat) — eases burning; short-term use, turns urine orange
- Cranberry products — may help prevent recurrent UTIs (not a treatment for active infection)
- Acetaminophen or ibuprofen for discomfort
- Supportive steps: drink plenty of fluids, don’t hold urine, and for prevention wipe front-to-back and urinate after intercourse. Urinary pain relievers ease symptoms but don’t cure the infection — you still need the antibiotic.
Treatments our pharmacist can prescribe
For your information only: in Ontario, our pharmacist can assess this condition and, when appropriate, prescribe from the medications listed below. This information is provided for educational purposes — it is not an offer to sell. These are prescription treatments that require a pharmacist assessment, and the right option is chosen for you.
Urinary anti-infectives: Fosfomycin (Monurol), Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid), Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim (Septra), Trimethoprim
When to seek further care: See a health-care provider (this is beyond a simple UTI) if you have fever, chills, back or flank pain, nausea or vomiting (possible kidney infection); blood in the urine; symptoms during pregnancy; a UTI in a man, child, or older adult; recurrent UTIs; a urinary catheter; or symptoms that don’t improve after treatment.