Treating cystitis
TREATING CYSTITIS
If your customer is eligible for the Pharmacy First service but does NOT meet the criteria that lead to the prescription of an antibiotic because they describe their symptoms as mild, then pain relief and self-care are considered as first line treatment. This is because UTIs are often self-limiting.1,5
The customer should be asked to return to the pharmacy in 48 hours if their condition does not improve.4
WHAT PRODUCTS CAN I RECOMMEND?
You can offer paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain relief, if appropriate.4,5
For customers experiencing mild symptoms who aren't eligible for antibiotic treatment via the Pharmacy First service you could consider urine alkalinisers.
Urine alkalinisers help to reduce discomfort in cystitis by making the urine less acidic. These products are available in the pharmacy as sodium citrate (CanesOasis®) and potassium citrate (Cystopurin®).
Click on the tabs below to find out more about CanesOasis®
From Canesten®, the UK's No.1 women's intimate health brand*
*Based on IRI unit sales data
- 52 w/e 03 January 2026
CanesOasis® contains sodium citrate, which is used to provide effective relief from symptoms (burning and stinging sensations) of cystitis in women.
Sodium citrate works as an alkaliniser by reducing the acidity of urine and so increasing pH levels. This makes urine less irritating to the bladder in cases of cystitis which can, in turn, help with symptoms such as pain or burning during urination.
For adult women, a 48-hour complete course is recommended.
The contents of one sachet should be taken three times a day, for 2 days. Each sachet should be dissolved in a glass of water (200ml) and consumed immediately.
If symptoms persist after the two-day course is completed, the customer should be referred to the Pharmacy First service, their GP or another provider as appropriate.
CanesOasis® is NOT suitable for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding†
It is NOT suitable for those who have diabetes, heart disease, hypertension or a history of renal disease
It is NOT suitable for men or children
This medicine should NOT be used in those who require a low sodium intake
Customers who take regular medicines should be referred to the pharmacist as the effects of a number of medicines may be reduced or increased by the alkalinisation of urine and reduction in gastric pH brought on by sodium citrate.
†Care should be taken when recommending medicines for use in pregnancy as medicines can cross the placenta and may affect the fetus.
Sodium citrate is typically well-tolerated, with few reported side effects. Some people experience mild diuresis (increased production of urine).
Click on the tabs below to find out more about Cystopurin®
Cystopurin® is a low-sodium 48-hour treatment which contains potassium citrate. It helps to provide effective relief from burning and stinging symptoms of cystitis.
Potassium citrate (also an alkaliniser) relieves the symptoms of cystitis by making urine less acidic, therefore reducing the discomfort caused by acidic urine.
A 48-hour complete course is recommended.
Adults and the elderly: Take the contents of one sachet dissolved in a glass of cold water (200ml), three times daily for two days.
All six sachets must be taken to complete the course of treatment.
If symptoms persist after the two-day course is completed, the customer should be referred to the Pharmacy First service, their GP or another provider as appropriate.
Cystopurin® should NOT be taken during pregnancy
It is NOT suitable for those who have heart disease or a history of kidney disease
Cystopurin® is NOT recommended for children under 6 years. Children over 6 years should only use this medicine after advice from the doctor.
Please refer to the product information for further details as to which patients this medicine is suitable for.
Some people may experience a slight increase in passing urine. They could also experience stomach irritation, which can be minimised by diluting the content of the sachets with extra water or by taking it with or after meals.