A study published online in the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that when it comes to treating acute urinary tract infections in women, Cipro and Proquin (fluoroquinolone ciprofloxacin) are significantly more effective than Vantin (cefpodoxime). The news is a disappointment to the scientific community because a search has been on for antimicrobials other than fluoroquinolones to knock out UTIs. The researchers explained that the quest has been spurred by an upsurge in resistance to fluoroquinolones. This can lead to infections outside the urinary tract that are extremely difficult to treat. The Infectious Diseases Society of America has recommended reserving fluoroquinolones for critical uses other than acute cystitis.
In the wake of the study that found Vantin to be inferior, the current recommendation is that healthcare workers should try other antibiotics before falling back on the fluoroquinolones. According to MedPage Today, some acceptable options are:
- Nitrofurantoin
- Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, except in areas of known high the resistance prevalence
- Fosfomycin (Monurol)
Pivmecillinam (Selexid, not available in the U.S.)
