What is the rationale of using urinary alkaliniser in UTI when the urine is already alkaline?

Question

Urinary alkaliniser such as potassium citate (citravescent) are commonly used to alkalinise urine in UTI

Pls also provide evidence source.

Answer 1

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003583.htm

This link will give you a little more information on the rationale behind using something to alkalyze the urine when you have a UTI. Ordinarily, the pH balance of urine will be nearly neutral- very close to 7. The actual pH of urine is nearly neutral, depending on how long it has been and how much you have eaten. The body produces acidic or alkaline enszymes to maintain the balance, all on it's own ordinarily. Infections and different disorders can upset the balance slightly, but for the most part it is only a small change. Interestingly, a bladder infection tends to create urine a bit more on the acidic end than usual, and the urine is usually a little more concentrated. Other than creating a more beneficial theraputic environment for the antibiotic to work in, things like Citravescent also help alleviate the burning sensation many woman suffer and complain from. Since the benefit from the antibiotic won't be felt for nearly 3 days, the pain relief from the Citravescent provides welcome relief in most cases. Hope this answers your questions.

Answer 2

In urinary tract infections it is desirable to make the urine acid. That is why cranberry juice and some of the older drugs acidified it. With use of antibiotics, the pH is not that important except for sulfa drugs that need an alkaline urine.

Answer 3

It is given when acidity in urine is suspected to be cause of illness.

Answer 4

none