Update on the treatment of bacterial urinary tract infections.

The treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs) has become a complex problem for the clinical practitioner. An understanding of the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and in vivo biological activity of antimicrobial agents is needed, as is an understanding of the variables that may influence patient compliance with medication regimens. Although UTIs are usually treated for 10 to 14 days, shorter treatment schedules of seven to ten days or even single-dose regimens are possible. Guidelines for the treatment of UTIs are presented along with suggestions for increased patient compliance.