Trimethoprim for Male UTI

Yes. Trimethoprim is one of the first-choice antibiotics recommended by NICE for lower UTIs in men, alongside nitrofurantoin, as long as the risk of resistance is low – for example, if you have not taken trimethoprim in the last 3 months.

Complete our online consultation for a clinical assessment by one of our experienced prescribers to find out whether you’re eligible for a prescription to buy trimethoprim 200mg tablets online.

UK guidance recommends a 7-day course for men, compared with 3 days for most women. The male urinary tract is longer and UTIs in men are more likely to be complicated, so a longer course helps make sure the infection is fully cleared.

Both are recommended by NICE as first choices for lower UTIs in men. Nitrofurantoin is not suitable if you have reduced kidney function, and trimethoprim may not work as well if you have taken it recently. Your prescriber will recommend the most suitable option during your consultation.

You cannot buy trimethoprim over the counter at a pharmacy as it is a prescription-only medication. This means you must have a prescription from a licensed prescriber to buy trimethoprim for a male UTI.

If you’re a man and think you have a UTI, you can fill out our simple online questionnaire to start your consultation with one of our UK-registered prescribers. Then, if prescribed, you can buy trimethoprim 200mg tablets through our online pharmacy with fast UK delivery.

You can order trimethoprim 200mg tablets through an online pharmacy after a clinical assessment with a registered prescriber. A prescriber will only prescribe trimethoprim if it’s clinically appropriate for you and your situation.

Do not buy antibiotics from pharmacies or websites that do not require a consultation with a medical professional.

At My Chemist Plus, you can have a free consultation with a UK-registered, experienced prescriber for trimethoprim. If prescribed, you can order trimethoprim online with fast UK-wide delivery. Fill out a quick health questionnaire to get started.

NICE recommends that men with a UTI have a urine sample sent for testing, to confirm the infection and check that the antibiotic is right for the bacteria causing it. If you consent to us sharing your treatment with your GP, we will ask them to arrange this and review the result. You can start your treatment straight away.

Always follow your prescriber’s instructions and complete the full course of treatment even if you start feeling better. If you finish your course and still feel unwell, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

• Take one tablet twice a day, about 12 hours apart, for 7 days. For instance, one in the morning and one in the evening.
• Swallow the tablet with water. You can take it with or without food.

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s nearly time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose. Do not take two tablets at the same time to make up for a forgotten dose.

For men with a lower UTI, the usual dose is one 200mg tablet twice a day for 7 days – 14 tablets in total. It’s very important you follow your prescriber’s advice and finish the full course.

Many people start to feel better within 1 to 3 days. If your symptoms do not start to improve within 48 hours, or they get worse, seek medical advice. Do not start another course of antibiotics without a new assessment.

Alcohol does not interact with trimethoprim. But, it’s a good idea to avoid alcohol while you have a UTI, as it can irritate your bladder and make symptoms worse.

Trimethoprim should not affect your ability to drive. If you feel unwell, do not drive or operate machinery until you feel better.

Tell your prescriber about all medicines you take. In particular, mention:

• Methotrexate
• Warfarin
• Phenytoin, used for epilepsy
• Digoxin, used for heart conditions
• Ciclosporin
• Spironolactone, or blood pressure medicines such as ramipril or losartan

While you recover, drink plenty of fluids so you pee regularly, and take paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain if they’re suitable for you. Rest and avoid sex until you feel better.

Repeated UTIs in men can be a sign of an underlying problem, such as an enlarged prostate. If you have had more than one UTI, speak to your GP so they can check for a cause.

Get urgent medical help from a GP or NHS 111 if you:

• Have a high temperature or feel hot and shivery
• Have pain in your lower back or side, under your ribs
• Have pain between your legs (perineum), in your bottom or in your testicles
• Cannot pee, or can only pass small amounts despite needing to go
• Feel sick, are being sick or feel very unwell
• Do not start to feel better within 48 hours of starting treatment

These can be signs of a kidney or prostate infection, which needs prompt assessment rather than waiting for a delivery.