Antibiotics are a group of drugs used to treat bacterial infections. They work by killing or stopping the growth and multiplication of bacteria in your body. While antibiotics have been a miracle drug for many, they’re not without side effects. One of the common side effects of antibiotics is excessive urination. Excessive urination or polyuria is the production of abnormally large volumes of urine that persist over time. In this article, we will discuss whether antibiotics cause excessive urination or not.
What Are Antibiotics?
Antibiotics are a group of drugs that are used to treat bacterial infections. They’ve been around for over 80 years, and they have saved countless lives. Antibiotics work by killing or stopping the growth and multiplication of bacteria, which is what causes infections. They do this by interfering with the bacteria’s ability to create new cells or by destroying their cell walls.
What Is Excessive Urination?
Excessive urination or polyuria is the production of abnormally large volumes of urine that persist over time. It’s a common symptom of various medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, and chronic kidney disease.
Can Antibiotics Cause Excessive Urination?
Yes, it’s possible that antibiotics can cause excessive urination. Antibiotics can cause excessive urination because they can interfere with the bacteria that help regulate the amount of water in your body. Some antibiotics, such as diuretics, can cause increased urine production. Diuretics work by increasing the amount of urine your body produces, which can help to reduce fluid buildup in your body. If you’re taking diuretics, you may experience an increase in urination, even when you’re not drinking a lot of fluids.
Antibiotics That Can Cause Excessive Urination
The following antibiotics are known to cause excessive urination:
- Ciprofloxacin: This antibiotic is used to treat bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections. It can cause an increase in urination, and it may also cause a burning sensation when you urinate.
- Penicillin: This antibiotic is used to treat various bacterial infections. It can cause an increase in urination, and it may also cause a rash or hives.
- Tetracycline: This antibiotic is used to treat bacterial infections such as acne and respiratory infections. It can cause an increase in urination, and it may also make you more sensitive to the sun.
Antibiotics That Don’t Cause Excessive Urination
The following antibiotics don’t cause excessive urination:
- Amoxicillin: This antibiotic is used to treat various bacterial infections such as ear infections and sinus infections. It doesn’t cause excessive urination, and it’s generally well-tolerated.
- Azithromycin: This antibiotic is used to treat bacterial infections such as strep throat and pneumonia. It doesn’t cause excessive urination, and it’s generally well-tolerated.
- Cephalexin: This antibiotic is used to treat bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections and ear infections. It doesn’t cause excessive urination, and it’s generally well-tolerated.
Other Symptoms That Can Occur With Excessive Urination
Excessive urination can be a symptom of a medical condition, and it can also cause other symptoms, such as:
- Dehydration: Excessive urination can cause your body to lose too much water, which can lead to dehydration. Symptoms of dehydration include dry mouth, dizziness, and dark-colored urine.
- Frequent Urination: Excessive urination can cause you to feel the need to urinate more often than usual.
- Incontinence: Excessive urination can cause you to have accidents or leak urine. This may be more common in older adults, women who have had children, or people who have had prostate surgery.
When to See a Doctor
If you’re experiencing excessive urination or any other symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor. Your doctor can determine if the symptoms you’re experiencing are related to a medical condition or medication. If the underlying cause is a medical condition, your doctor can prescribe appropriate treatment to manage your symptoms.
Common Questions About Antibiotics and Excessive Urination
Here are some of the most common questions that people ask about antibiotics and excessive urination:
- Q: Can antibiotics cause frequent urination?
- Q: Can antibiotics cause bladder control problems?
- Q: Can antibiotics cause dehydration?
- Q: Can antibiotics cause kidney problems?
A: Yes, it’s possible that antibiotics can cause frequent urination. Some antibiotics, such as diuretics, can increase the amount of urine your body produces.
A: Antibiotics aren’t known to cause bladder control problems on their own. However, if you have a urinary tract infection, it can cause bladder control problems such as incontinence.
A: Yes, antibiotics can cause dehydration if they cause you to urinate more than you’re drinking. This can lead to symptoms such as dry mouth, dizziness, and dark-colored urine.
A: Yes, antibiotics can cause kidney problems in rare cases. If you’re experiencing symptoms such as pain in your back, blood in your urine, or difficulty urinating, see your doctor right away.
Conclusion
While antibiotics have been a miracle drug for many, they’re not without side effects. One of the common side effects of antibiotics is excessive urination. Antibiotics can cause excessive urination because they can interfere with the bacteria that help regulate the amount of water in your body. If you’re experiencing excessive urination or any other symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor. Your doctor can determine if the symptoms you’re experiencing are related to a medical condition or medication.
References:
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2021). Regular urination: How often is normal? Retrieved December 22, 2021, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/urine-color/art-20045731
Healthline Medical Team. (2021). Polyuria. Retrieved December 22, 2021, from https://www.healthline.com/health/polyuria
UW Health. (2021). Diuretics. Retrieved December 22, 2021, from https://www.uwhealth.org/healthfacts/medication/463.pdf
WebMD. (2021). Why Do I Pee So Much? + When to See a Doctor. Retrieved December 22, 2021, from https://www.webmd.com/urinary-incontinence-oab/why-do-i-pee-so-much