For a UTI patient with a known allergy to PCN, which medication would you order?

In the context of a urinary tract infection (UTI) for a patient with a known allergy to penicillin (PCN), selecting Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim) is appropriate. This combination antibiotic is commonly used to treat UTIs due to its effectiveness against the most common uropathogens, such as Escherichia coli.

Bactrim works by inhibiting bacterial folate synthesis, making it effective in preventing bacterial growth. Additionally, it is not related to penicillin, so it does not pose a risk to patients with a PCN allergy. Considering alternative antibiotics, ciprofloxacin could also be effective against UTIs; however, it is a fluoroquinolone and would be chosen based on specific clinical scenarios, particularly when there is a concern regarding resistance or a patient’s particular health profile.

Amoxicillin, on the other hand, is a penicillin derivative and directly contraindicated in this patient due to the allergy. Azithromycin is also not the ideal first-line treatment for UTIs, as it is primarily used to treat respiratory infections and certain types of STIs.

Therefore, Bactrim is the most suitable choice for treating this patient’s UTI while safely managing