What's the cheapest way to treat a urinary tract infection (UTI) in a healthy non-pregnant female?

Economic times are rough and many patients are trying to save $ anyway possible. We can help by prescribing the most economical, yet effective medications possible. Of the following medication regimens, which is cheapest to treat an uncomplicated UTI (healthy, non-pregnant woman)?

TMP-SMX-DS bid x 3 d
nitrofurantoin 100 mg bid x 5 d
fosfomycin 3 gm po x 1 dose
ciprofloxacin 250 mg bid x 3 d
ciprofloxacin ER 500g qd x 3 d
levofloxacin 250 mg po qd x 3 d
moxifloxacin 400 mg po qd x 3 d

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In rank order, from least to most expensive:

ciprofloxacin 250 mg bid x 3 d - $11.99
nitrofurantoin 100 mg bid x 5 d - $14.99
TMP-SMX-DS bid x 3 d - $16.99
fosfomycin 3 gm po x 1 dose - $44.99
levofloxacin 250 mg po qd x 3 d - $55.99
ciprofloxacin ER 500g qd x 3 d - $56.99
moxifloxacin 400 mg po qd x 3 d- $115.99

Prices as noted on drugstore.com and assume no insurance or special offers. For a list of drugs covered by Walmart's $4 prescription program, click here.

Of course when prescribing drugs we must consider allergies and bug sensitivities as well, but given two drugs of equal efficacy, I say cheaper is better! Let capitalism rein!


Source

The Sanford Guide to Antimicrobial Therapy 2008.

Drugstore.com. http://www.drugstore.com/templates/browse/default.asp?catid=10663&trx=GFI-0-ROTABS&trxp1=10663&trxp4=10785

Walmart $4 Prescriptions Program. http://www.walmart.com/catalog/catalog.gsp?cat=546834
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