Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Can One Take Pyridium And Sulfamethoxazole Past Expiration Date To Treat A Raging Bladder Infection?
Question: OK. I just came down with a raging bladder infection. Have't had one in years. Hideous burning pain. I found my prescription of 5 yrs ago that I didn't use, I just took a Pyridium and Sulphamethox about 45 mins ago. I am not feeling that much relief.
Is it because of the 5 yrs? or too soon? I am not big on drugs. I have some left over Percoset from a shoulder Sx 2 yrs ago. Can I take that with those 2 drugs. How long does this take? I am feeling a bit suspicious.
Is it because of the 5 yrs? or too soon? I am not big on drugs. I have some left over Percoset from a shoulder Sx 2 yrs ago. Can I take that with those 2 drugs. How long does this take? I am feeling a bit suspicious.
Brief Answer:
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
It is too soon to get results from the antibiotic.
But at 5 years out, it is most likely not going to be effective at all. A few months past expiration date, possibly, but not at 5 years.
Can you go into an urgent care clinic where they can get a urine specimen and send it for culture? That is the safest way because with a culture and sensitivity test, they can tell which antibiotic is sensitive or resistant. They will start you on an antibiotic right away, but in a couple of days the culture and sensitivity result will be back, and if the bacteria has intermediate resistance to the antibiotic, they can switch antibiotics (although you may be feeling somewhat better already but still need to wipe the rest of the infection out).
If some infection is left, then there is the risk of kidney infection - which is why I always recommend getting a culture and sensitivity test. Push water and cranberry juice also.
Hope I have answered your query.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
It is too soon to get results from the antibiotic.
But at 5 years out, it is most likely not going to be effective at all. A few months past expiration date, possibly, but not at 5 years.
Can you go into an urgent care clinic where they can get a urine specimen and send it for culture? That is the safest way because with a culture and sensitivity test, they can tell which antibiotic is sensitive or resistant. They will start you on an antibiotic right away, but in a couple of days the culture and sensitivity result will be back, and if the bacteria has intermediate resistance to the antibiotic, they can switch antibiotics (although you may be feeling somewhat better already but still need to wipe the rest of the infection out).
If some infection is left, then there is the risk of kidney infection - which is why I always recommend getting a culture and sensitivity test. Push water and cranberry juice also.
Hope I have answered your query.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
DR. Berger-Durnbaugh,
Thank you so much for your response. I have a call into my nurse practitioner to get more of the meds since they are old . I am feeling a little better today. But, I hope it's not just the pyridium. Yes they should REALLY tell people how long it will take to get a response. I was feeling very desperate last night.
Thanks Again, XXXXXXX
Thank you so much for your response. I have a call into my nurse practitioner to get more of the meds since they are old . I am feeling a little better today. But, I hope it's not just the pyridium. Yes they should REALLY tell people how long it will take to get a response. I was feeling very desperate last night.
Thanks Again, XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Take antibiotics.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Once you start taking the updated antibiotic, you should start to feel quite well in 24 hours. Do not wait to be seen though if you develop flank pain, fever, or nausea as these can be signs that the bladder infection has gone up into the kidneys.
Hope I have answered your query.
Best regards,
Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, MD
Take antibiotics.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Once you start taking the updated antibiotic, you should start to feel quite well in 24 hours. Do not wait to be seen though if you develop flank pain, fever, or nausea as these can be signs that the bladder infection has gone up into the kidneys.
Hope I have answered your query.
Best regards,
Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, MD
Note: Consult a Urologist online for consultation about prostate and bladder problems, sexual dysfunction, kidney stones, prostate enlargement, urinary incontinence, impotence and erectile dysfunction - Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
