Treatment of uncomplicated cystitis: analysis of prescribing in New Zealand.

AIMS: To describe prescribing for women with suspected urinary tract infections, including suspected uncomplicated cystitis, in New Zealand.

METHODS: Randomly selected community pharmacies participated in the study. Women attending the pharmacy in a 2-week period in 2012 for prescribed or non-prescription treatment of symptoms suggesting a urinary tract infection, or prophylaxis of a urinary tract infection, were invited to self-complete a questionnaire. Analysis focused on prescribing for women with symptoms of cystitis without complicating features.

RESULTS: Valid questionnaires arising from a prescription treatment were received from 789 patients from 139 pharmacies. Questionnaire data indicated that 17% of women had symptoms of cystitis without complicating features. Most prescribing was for a first-line agent, trimethoprim (59%) or nitrofurantoin (14%), but norfloxacin was also common (21%). Women with self-reported antibiotic use for suspected cystitis in the past 6 months were more likely to be prescribed norfloxacin than those with no such use. Many prescriptions were for a dose or duration outside those recommended in New Zealand guidelines.

CONCLUSIONS: While use of first-line agents is generally high, norfloxacin use could be reduced further. There is scope to understand clinical practice that deviates from guideline use regarding dose and duration.