Brief overview of single-dose therapy for uncomplicated urinary tract infections.

The published studies of the use of single-dose antimicrobial therapy for the treatment of urinary tract infection have been reviewed. In women a single dose of any of several antimicrobial agents is as effective as a course of treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections caused by Escherichia coli. Trimethoprim or co-trimoxazole are currently the preferred agents for single-dose therapy. Fosfomycin trometamol and the 4-quinolones are promising agents. Failure of single-dose therapy may prove to be a simple guide as to the need for further urinary tract investigation or more intensive therapy. Single-dose antimicrobial therapy is now the treatment of choice for uncomplicated urinary tract infections in general practice.