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Suggest Treatment For Flank Pain And Bacterial Kidney Infection

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Posted on Mon, 22 May 2017
Question: Hi! I went to ER for flank pain. They did cat scan, blood work, and urine test. They stated that I have bacterial kidney infection. They gave me IV of antibiotic that started with letter R and pain med. Sent me home with three prescriptions. One of them was antibiotic Levofloxacin. For me, drug from h ell. I had migraine of pain level nine and blurred vision, with constant nausea, vomiting. Called ER to get another script on day two. Now have script for nitrofurantoin. But reading the drug info sheet, it very specifically tells me that it is used for bladder infections ONLY and in parenthesis not to be used for kidney infection. We call the ER and nurse tells us that according to culture this is appropriate drug for me. No problems taking it other than normal diarrhea with antibiotic. Should I be concerned with the two sets of conflicting info?
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Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
No need to worry. Can take it without worries.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

I have gone carefully through your query and understand your concerns. Let me assure you that the use of nitrofurantoin is not restricted to infections of bladder only. Try to understand what an antibiotic is. An antibiotic prevents bacteria from growing. During a culture we put antibiotics where the bacteria are growing (culture) and we check which are the antibiotics which limit the growth. Since the culture and sensitivity report indicates that the bacterial growth is restricted by nitrofurantoin you can take it safely and without worries. It can therefore be taken even in case of a kidney infection and the chances are that it will be equally effective when it is administered. You therefore need not be concerned. You need not seek an alternative. However, if according to the culture and sensitivity report there is another oral antibiotic that has similar efficacy that can be used as well. You can upload the report and I would be able to guide you further.

Feel free to write back.

Regards
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems and comprehensive renal care, talk to a Nephrologist. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Answered by
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Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1954

Answered : 4467 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Flank Pain And Bacterial Kidney Infection

Brief Answer: No need to worry. Can take it without worries. Detailed Answer: Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic. I have gone carefully through your query and understand your concerns. Let me assure you that the use of nitrofurantoin is not restricted to infections of bladder only. Try to understand what an antibiotic is. An antibiotic prevents bacteria from growing. During a culture we put antibiotics where the bacteria are growing (culture) and we check which are the antibiotics which limit the growth. Since the culture and sensitivity report indicates that the bacterial growth is restricted by nitrofurantoin you can take it safely and without worries. It can therefore be taken even in case of a kidney infection and the chances are that it will be equally effective when it is administered. You therefore need not be concerned. You need not seek an alternative. However, if according to the culture and sensitivity report there is another oral antibiotic that has similar efficacy that can be used as well. You can upload the report and I would be able to guide you further. Feel free to write back. Regards