What antibiotic is used to treat urinary tract infections due to E. coli?

Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is a commonly used antibiotic for treating urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by Escherichia coli, as it effectively targets and inhibits bacterial folic acid synthesis. This combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole works synergistically to enhance bacterial suppression, making it an effective choice for uncomplicated UTIs, which are often caused by E. coli.

While ciprofloxacin is also effective against E. coli and is sometimes used for treating UTIs, it is generally reserved for cases where other treatments may fail or for complicated infections due to concerns about antibiotic resistance and potential side effects.

Ampicillin can be used for UTI treatment, particularly when the causative organism is known to be susceptible, but it is less preferred for E. coli, which has shown increasing resistance to aminopenicillins.

Nitrofurantoin is another option for treating UTIs, particularly in uncomplicated cases due to its specific action in the urinary tract; however, it is more effective against some strains of E. coli than others and is not the first choice in areas with high resistance rates.

Given the context of standard treatment protocols for uncomplicated UTIs caused by E. coli, trimethoprim