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NSW Pharmacy Trial
A trial for appropriately trained pharmacists to provide community access to important medications and treatments, usually only available with a prescription, is running in NSW.
The University of Newcastle is leading the trial in association with the University of Technology Sydney, Macquarie University, University of New England, Charles Sturt University, The George Institute for Global Health and the Hunter Medical Research Institute.
Urinary tract infection treatment
Stanmore Station Pharmacy can provide treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women aged from 18 to 65 years (inclusive) as part of this trial.
Initially, a small feasibility study will occur for UTI management in randomly selected pharmacies to test the service in real world conditions.
Urinary tract infection (Cystitis)
What is a Urinary Tract Infection ?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection involving any part of the body’s
urinary system – kidneys, ureters, bladder or urethra. UTIs are common,
especially in females and the elderly. Bladder infection, also called cystitis,
is the most common type of UTI.
Most UTIs are caused by bacteria which normally live harmlessly in the bowel. If these bacteria spread from the anus to the urethra and up into the urinary system they can cause:
• Urethritis – infection in the urethra
• Cystitis – infection in the bladder
• Pyelonephritis – infection in the kidneys.
Most UTIs cannot be passed from person to person. However, some types of urethritis can be caused by sexually transmitted infections (e.g. chlamydia).
Signs and Symptoms
The main symptoms of cystitis are:
• a prickly, stinging or burning feeling
when passing urine
• a strong urge to urinate often
• pain in the lower abdomen (belly).
Cystitis may also cause cloudy, bloody or strong-smelling urine.
Symptoms of cystitis can be mild or severe, but cystitis is not usually a
serious condition.
Kidney infection can cause fever, chills, nausea, vomiting and back or side
pain, with or without the symptoms of cystitis. A kidney infection is serious and needs urgent treatment by a doctor.
In young children UTI may cause fever, jaundice, vomiting, lethargy, being
irritable, ‘wetting’ in a child who has been ‘dry’, and poor feeding.
In elderly people UTI may cause confusion, delirium or changes in
behavior.
Treatment
Pain relief
• Urinary alkalinisers (e.g. Ural, Citravescent) make urine less acidic. This reduces the stinging or burning feeling caused by passing urine.
• Simple pain relievers (e.g. paracetamol, ibuprofen) can reduce pain and discomfort.
Ask a pharmacist for advice.
Antibiotics
UTIs usually need to be treated with prescription antibiotics. You can also help to clear cystitis by:
• drinking plenty of fluid, especially water, to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract
• emptying your bladder completely when urinating.
Self care tips
Actions that may reduce the risk of getting UTIs include:
• Drink enough water every day to satisfy your thirst and to keep your
urine ‘light‑coloured’ (unless a doctor advises you not to).
• Urinate when you feel the urge, rather than holding on.
• Empty your bladder completely when urinating.
For females also:
• Wipe from front to back (urethra to anus) after passing urine or emptying your bowels.
• Empty your bladder soon after sex.
• Wash your genital area every day.
• Treat vaginal infections quickly.