Cranberries vs. Antibiotics for Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections

Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole was more effective than cranberry extract; antibiotic resistance developed but was reversible.

Cranberries lower incidence of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in premenopausal women by 40% (Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2008; 1:CD001321), although other data do not show such efficacy (JW Gen Med Jan 20 2011). To evaluate prophylaxis with cranberries versus antibiotics, investigators in Holland randomized 221 premenopausal women with recent histories of UTIs to receive trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX; 480 mg once daily) or cranberry extract (500 mg twice daily), each with placebo capsules to ensure blinding.

Only 50% of participants completed the 1-year trial; withdrawal for lack of efficacy was more common in the cranberry group than in the TMP-SMX group. Mean number of clinical recurrences was 1.8 in the TMP-SMX group ve…

Reviewing Author

Anna Wald, MD, MPH

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardAicuris; Bayer; GSK; Innovative Molecules; Merck; MAPP Biopharmaceutical (Safety Monitoring Committee)

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; GSK; Moderna; Assembly Biomedical; Aicuris

Editorial BoardsSexually Transmitted Diseases; Sexually Transmitted Infections; Journal of Infectious Diseases

Leadership PositionsID Division Chiefs Community of Practice (At-Large Member)