Alternative antibiotics do not reduce UTI-related hospitalizations, deaths in older adults

Alternative antibiotics to nitrofurantoin for treating suspected urinary tract infection in older patients were associated with lower odds of treatment failure but did not reduce the risk for UTI-related hospitalization or death, according to research published in Open Forum Infectious Diseases.

“UTI is the most common indication for antibiotic prescribing in older adults presenting to ambulatory care services and those in long-term care facilities,” researchers in the United Kingdom wrote. “Around 60% to 75% of adults presenting with suspected UTI receive empirical antibiotic therapy at the same consultation, without knowledge of microbiological susceptibilities.”