For uncomplicated lower urinary tract infection in non-pregnant women, what duration is commonly recommended for first-line therapy?

• A. 1–2 days
• B. 7–10 days
• C. 3–5 days
• D. 14 days

Answer: (C)

Short, effective antibiotic courses are used for uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections to clear the bladder infection while minimizing side effects and resistance. In non-pregnant women, first-line therapy is typically given for about 3 to 5 days. This duration is long enough to eradicate the bacteria in most uncomplicated cases (for example, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for around 3 days or nitrofurantoin for about 5 days, depending on the chosen agent and local resistance patterns), but not so long as to add unnecessary exposure or adverse effects. Durations shorter than this (1–2 days) are usually insufficient to ensure cure, while longer courses (7–10 or 14 days) don’t improve outcomes and increase the risk of side effects and resistance. So 3–5 days captures the typical, evidence-based range for first-line treatment.