At a glance

• Take prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed and complete the course unless a clinician changes the plan.
• Drink according to thirst unless you have been given a fluid restriction.
• Follow up test results and seek review if symptoms do not improve or return.

During treatment

• Use pain relief only if it is suitable for you and follow the packet or clinician's directions.
• Do not use leftover antibiotics or share antibiotics with another person.
• If a urine sample was sent, confirm how and when you will receive the result.
• Contact the practice if side effects make it difficult to continue treatment.

When infections keep returning

• Repeated symptoms should be assessed rather than managed indefinitely with self-treatment.
• A clinician can review triggers, menopause-related changes, medicines, bladder emptying and whether tests or preventive options are appropriate.
• Cranberry products and urinary alkalinisers are not substitutes for assessment or prescribed treatment.

When to book a GP review

• There is fever, chills, pain in the side or back, nausea or vomiting.
• Symptoms worsen, return soon after treatment or you cannot take the prescribed medicine.
• You are pregnant, immunocompromised, have kidney disease or have a urinary catheter and develop symptoms.

Follow-up

• Arrange review if symptoms are not clearly improving within the timeframe your clinician advised.
• Follow any instruction for repeat urine testing, particularly in pregnancy or recurrent infection.
• Discuss further assessment if infections recur or symptoms continue despite negative tests.

Emergency advice

Call 000 for severe illness with confusion, marked drowsiness, collapse, severe breathing difficulty, mottled skin or another sign of possible sepsis.

Rochedale Family Practice is not an emergency service.