What Prescription Drugs Cause UTI? A Comprehensive Overview

October 10, 2025 •

3 min read

According to studies, certain drug classes, such as SGLT2 inhibitors used for diabetes, have been consistently associated with an increased risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). The question of What prescription drugs cause UTI? is important for patients and healthcare providers to address potential side effects and take proactive measures to mitigate risk. Understanding the underlying mechanisms is key to recognizing symptoms and seeking appropriate care.

Quick Summary

Several prescription medications increase the risk of UTIs, primarily by inhibiting complete bladder emptying (urinary retention) or by creating a sugar-rich urinary environment that promotes bacterial growth. Awareness of these drug classes, including SGLT2 inhibitors, anticholinergics, and opioids, is crucial for patient safety.

Key Points

SGLT2 inhibitors increase UTI risk: Medications like Farxiga and Jardiance cause excess glucose to be excreted in urine, creating a favorable environment for bacteria to grow.
Anticholinergic effects cause urinary retention: Drugs like anticholinergics, TCAs, and older antihistamines can inhibit the bladder from emptying completely, allowing bacteria to multiply in residual urine.
Immunosuppressants weaken the body's defenses: Medications that suppress the immune system, such as cyclosporine and steroids, increase overall susceptibility to infections, including UTIs.
Opioids and some blood pressure drugs affect bladder function: Opioids reduce bladder contraction and sensation, while certain calcium channel blockers can cause urinary retention.
Recognize and report symptoms early: Patients on these medications should be vigilant for signs of a UTI, such as burning with urination or increased frequency, and contact a healthcare provider immediately to prevent serious complications.
Preventative measures are crucial: Simple steps like staying well-hydrated and practicing good hygiene can significantly reduce the risk of developing a medication-related UTI.

How Medications Can Lead to UTIs

Medications can contribute to the development of urinary tract infections through several different mechanisms. The two most common pathways are causing urinary retention and altering the chemical composition of the urine to promote bacterial growth. By understanding how these drugs affect the urinary system, patients can be more vigilant for symptoms and discuss preventative strategies with their doctors.

Urinary Retention: A Breeding Ground for Bacteria

Urinary retention, the inability to fully empty the bladder, leaves residual urine where bacteria can multiply. This can be caused by medications with anticholinergic effects.

Anticholinergics: These drugs for overactive bladder, such as oxybutynin and tolterodine, can cause excessive retention.
Antidepressants: Tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline have anticholinergic properties. Some SSRIs, like fluoxetine, can also affect bladder function.
Antihistamines: First-generation antihistamines, including diphenhydramine, have anticholinergic effects and are cautioned for older adults.
Opioid Pain Relievers: Opioids, like morphine, can weaken bladder contractions and sensation, leading to retention.
Calcium Channel Blockers: Certain types, such as amlodipine, are linked to urinary retention.
Antipsychotics: First-generation antipsychotics, such as chlorpromazine, can have anticholinergic effects that cause retention.

Altering the Urinary Environment to Promote Bacterial Growth

Some medications change the urine's composition, making it easier for bacteria to grow.

Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) Inhibitors: Used for diabetes, heart failure, and kidney disease, these drugs cause glucose excretion into the urine. The high glucose levels in urine support bacterial growth, increasing UTI risk. Examples include empagliflozin (Jardiance) and dapagliflozin (Farxiga). The risk may vary depending on the specific drug and dose.

Weakening the Body's Defenses

Other medications can increase UTI risk by suppressing the immune system.

Immunosuppressants: Medications used for autoimmune diseases or transplants, like cyclosporine, reduce the body's ability to fight off bacteria, increasing UTI risk, especially with other risk factors.
Steroids: Long-term steroid use is also linked to increased infection risk due to immunosuppression.

Comparison of Medications and UTI Risk


Drug Class	Mechanism for Increased UTI Risk	Example Medications
SGLT2 Inhibitors	Increases glucose in urine, promoting bacterial growth.	Farxiga (dapagliflozin), Jardiance (empagliflozin)
Anticholinergics	Causes urinary retention by inhibiting bladder muscle contraction.	Oxybutynin (Oxytrol), Tolterodine (Detrol)
Tricyclic Antidepressants	Anticholinergic effects lead to urinary retention.	Amitriptyline
First-Gen Antihistamines	Anticholinergic effects cause urinary retention.	Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
Opioids	Reduces bladder muscle contraction and sensation of fullness.	Morphine, Fentanyl
Immunosuppressants	Weakens the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infection.	Cyclosporine

Recognizing Symptoms and When to Act

Prompt recognition of UTI symptoms is crucial when taking medications that increase risk. Symptoms may include pain or burning during urination, a strong urge to urinate, frequent urination of small amounts, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, pelvic pain in women, or changes in mental status in older adults. Report any of these symptoms to your healthcare provider immediately, as untreated UTIs can lead to serious complications like kidney infections or sepsis.

Preventing Medication-Related UTIs

Preventing UTIs is important for individuals on at-risk medications. Strategies include staying well-hydrated to flush bacteria, practicing good hygiene, and ensuring complete bladder emptying. If you experience recurrent UTIs, discuss alternative medications or dosages with your doctor, such as a lower dose of an SGLT2 inhibitor. Managing underlying conditions like diabetes is also key, as poor blood sugar control is a separate UTI risk factor.

Conclusion

Certain prescription medications increase UTI risk by causing urinary retention or altering urine composition. Understanding this connection is vital for health management. Always discuss concerns and symptoms with your healthcare provider and never stop medication without their guidance. They can help treat infections and maintain necessary therapy. For more on urinary health, consult resources like the Cleveland Clinic.(https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15427-urinary-retention)

Frequently Asked Questions

SGLT2 inhibitors, such as dapagliflozin (Farxiga) and empagliflozin (Jardiance), are known to increase the risk of UTIs. These drugs work by removing excess sugar from the body through the urine, which can feed bacteria and lead to infection.

Yes, some medications for overactive bladder, such as anticholinergics like oxybutynin, work by relaxing the bladder muscle. This can lead to urinary retention (incomplete emptying), which creates an environment where bacteria can multiply and cause a UTI.

Yes, older adults are generally at a higher risk for UTIs due to age-related changes, and the anticholinergic effects of many medications, such as certain antihistamines and antidepressants, are more pronounced in this population, increasing the likelihood of urinary retention.

You should not stop taking your medication on your own. It is essential to contact your healthcare provider immediately. They can evaluate your symptoms, diagnose the infection, and determine the best course of action, which may include treating the UTI and discussing alternative medications.

For those on SGLT2 inhibitors, maintaining good hydration is key to help flush out excess sugar and bacteria. Proper hygiene and promptly addressing any UTI symptoms with a doctor are also important preventive strategies.

Yes, some antidepressants, particularly older tricyclic types like amitriptyline, have anticholinergic properties that can cause urinary retention, increasing the risk of infection. Some SSRIs are also linked to urinary retention by affecting serotonin pathways.

Not all medications with anticholinergic effects will cause a UTI, but they increase the risk, especially in individuals with other predisposing factors. The extent of risk depends on the specific drug, dosage, and individual patient factors.