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Drug Info

Can prednisone cause a UTI?

Prednisone doesn’t directly cause UTIs, but it can make some people more vulnerable to them
Wendy Wisner
By | Feb. 11, 2025 Medically reviewed by Anne Jacobson, MD, MPH
Two gloved hands holding a UTI test strip: Can prednisone cause a UTI?

Key takeaways

  • Prednisone is a steroid medication used to treat inflammatory conditions like asthma and rheumatoid arthritis.

  • Because prednisone can suppress the immune system, it can make certain people more vulnerable to infections like UTIs.

  • The longer you take prednisone, the more likely it is that you will experience side effects like UTIs. Short-term use is less likely to cause a UTI.

  • UTIs from prednisone use can be treated with antibiotics.

In this article:

Prednisone is a generic corticosteroid that’s approved to treat various medical conditions, primarily those dealing with the immune system and that cause inflammation. Examples include asthma, autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, and certain cancers. Prednisone is a generic medication that is also sold under the brand names Omnipred, Millipred, Econopred, Flo-Pred, Orapred, and Pediapred.

One characteristic of prednisone is that it can suppress your immune system, making you more vulnerable to infections, including urinary tract infections (UTIs). However, not everyone who takes prednisone will experience infections. Here’s what we know.

A prednisone UTI: Why it may happen 

Prednisone, as well as other corticosteroids, can increase the risk of UTIs in certain individuals. But there are various factors at play, and prednisone doesn’t cause UTIs in everyone who takes it. 

David Sheyn, MD, an OB-GYN and associate professor of urology at Case Western Reserve University says certain people are simply more prone to UTIs in general. For example, females are more likely than men to get UTIs, as are people who use urinary catheters or have had previous urologic surgery. 

Justin Houman, MD, a urologist at Tower Urology and assistant professor of Urology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, explains that prednisone itself doesn’t directly cause you to get a UTI. “However, it can increase the risk of UTIs in certain individuals because it suppresses the immune system,” he says. “By lowering your body’s ability to fight infections, prednisone can make you more susceptible to bacterial overgrowth and infections, including in the urinary tract.”

It’s important to understand that it’s prednisone’s job to suppress the immune system in order to reduce inflammation in certain conditions. “While this is beneficial for managing conditions like autoimmune diseases or allergies, it can also impair the body’s ability to fight off bacteria in the urinary tract,” Dr. Houman says. For some people, prednisone also alters the balance of bacteria in the body, which increases the risk of infections like UTIs. 

Other prednisone side effects

Like any other prescription medication, prednisone can cause side effects. The probability of side effects occurring is dependent on how long you’ve been taking the medication, with longer durations more likely to cause side effects.

“In general, short-term use of steroids is considered fairly safe,” Dr. Sheyn says. “It is important to know that when doctors prescribe steroids, we use the shortest possible duration and lowest possible dose to treat a specific condition and always monitor for serious side effects (which are generally considered uncommon).”

In addition to an increased risk of infections when taking prednisone, the following are other potential side effects to watch for, according to Dr. Houman:

  • Respiratory and skin infections due to immune suppression
  • Elevated blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia), especially people with diabetes or who are at risk for diabetes
  • Weight gain and fluid retention due to changes in metabolism and sodium retention
  • Mood swings, anxiety, and sleep disturbances like insomnia due to impacts on the central nervous system
  • Osteoporosis or weakened bones, which can occur after long-term use

How to manage prednisone side effects

While prednisone can be a useful medication for many people, it’s essential to be mindful of potential side effects and keep in touch with your healthcare provider for side effect management. Without careful management, you are more likely to experience adverse effects.

“Taking the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible is a key strategy,” Dr. Houman says. Research has found that high doses of prednisone—such as 40 mg or more per day—for prolonged periods are more likely to cause serious side effects.

How to treat a prednisone UTI

“We would not treat UTIs any differently in someone taking prednisone or other steroids compared to someone not on these medications,” Dr. Sheyn explains. Treating UTIs typically involves the use of antibiotics. First-line antibiotics for uncomplicated UTIs include nitrofurantoin, fosfomycin, and Bactrim (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole). You should consult with your healthcare provider about the best antibiotic for you.

In addition, if you are taking prednisone and are concerned about getting a UTI, you can take steps to prevent it. Some UTI prevention tips include:

  • Increasing fluid intake to about two liters per day
  • Wiping from front to back after urination
  • Using gentle, unscented soaps
  • Avoiding the use of reusable sponges or loofahs while bathing
  • Taking showers instead of baths
  • Urinating after sexual intercourse

Prednisone alternatives 

If you are experiencing serious side effects from prednisone, talk to your healthcare provider about prednisone alternatives. You may still be at higher risk for UTIs with other medications that suppress the immune system. The best option for you will depend on various factors, including the condition you’re treating and other medications you may be taking. 

According to Dr. Houman, the following medications may be good prednisone alternatives for people who are experiencing adverse side effects:

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, for milder cases of inflammation
  • Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) like methotrexate for autoimmune diseases
  • Biologics like Cyltezo (adalimumab-adbm) for autoimmune diseases
  • Topical steroids for localized skin conditions 
  • Low-dose immunomodulators to balance immune activity with less pronounced immunosuppression, which means decreased chances of infection

Bottom line

While prednisone doesn’t directly cause UTIs, it can suppress your immune system, making you more likely to get an infection. However, not everyone gets infections while taking prednisone. Some people are more susceptible to UTIs, especially if they are taking prednisone long-term or in high doses. If you are experiencing a UTI during or after taking prednisone, contact your healthcare provider for treatment. UTIs can be treated with antibiotics. And your healthcare provider can help manage your prednisone use to minimize side effects like UTIs.