Cranberry for Urinary Tract Infection Prevention in the Elderly

Introduction to Cranberry Use

• The Infectious Diseases Society of America recommends that cranberry should not be used routinely in patients with neurogenic bladders managed with intermittent or permanent catheterization (strong recommendation) 1, 2, 3, 4

Alternative Prevention Strategies for the Elderly

• The American Urological Association recommends estrogen vaginal therapy (cream or ring) for postmenopausal women with recurrent urinary tract infections, reducing recurrence (RR 0.25-0.64) 7
• Methenamine hippurate is strongly recommended for women without urinary tract abnormalities 7
• Immunotherapy (Uro-Vaxom) is strongly recommended for prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections 7

Considerations for Cranberry Use

• Cranberry capsules are preferable to juice in diabetic patients due to high sugar content in juice 5