B-QuiCK: UTI

B-QuiCK: UTI

The diagnosis and management of symptomatic lower UTIs in adults

Table 1. Empiric antibiotic regimens for uncomplicated lower UTIs in adults. N.B. Treat for seven days in pregnant females regardless of antibiotic choice.

Practice change July 2026

Same antibiotic treatment duration recommended for females and males with cystitis

It was previously recommended that males with a UTI be treated for seven days (as a complicated UTI), however, Te Whata Kura – National Antibiotic Guidelines for cystitis no longer automatically classify UTIs in males as complicated. Therefore, there is no difference between males and females in recommendations for antibiotic treatment duration for cystitis. We intend to undertake a more comprehensive review of this article and make further updates where appropriate after examining the evidence for this change, including any implications for diagnosing UTIs in males.

* Prescribe by brand name to reduce errors as there are two different formulations

† Contraindicated after 36 weeks gestation in pregnant females and in people with a creatinine clearance < 60 mL/min. Short courses of nitrofurantoin (i.e. up to seven days) have been used in patients with a creatinine clearance of 30 – 60 mL/min; see NZF for further information

‡ Avoid during the first trimester of pregnancy

** Nifuran is also funded; this brand will be delisted from the Pharmaceutical Schedule on 1^st November, 2026