If you’ve ever experienced cystitis, you’ll know just how uncomfortable and disruptive it can be. That all-too-familiar burning feeling when passing urine, the constant urge to go—even when your bladder is nearly empty—and the general feeling of irritation can leave you desperate for fast relief.
That’s where cystitis sachets often come in. They’re a go-to item for many people who experience urinary tract discomfort, but what do they actually do? And are they enough on their own to deal with a urinary tract infection (UTI)?
At Seaton Pharmacy, we regularly speak to people managing symptoms of cystitis and offer advice on when sachets can help—and when it’s time to speak to a healthcare professional. Here’s everything you need to know.
First, What Is Cystitis?
Cystitis is a common type of urinary tract infection, typically caused by bacteria entering the urethra and irritating the bladder lining. While anyone can develop cystitis, it’s far more common in women, due to the shorter length of the female urethra.
Symptoms can include:
–> A burning or stinging sensation when passing urine
–> Needing to pass urine more frequently or urgently
–> Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
–> Lower abdominal discomfort
–> Feeling generally unwell
In most cases, mild cystitis clears up on its own with rest, hydration, and symptom management. However, if left untreated, more severe cases can lead to complications such as a kidney infection—so it’s important to keep an eye on your symptoms.
So, What Do Cystitis Sachets Actually Do?
Cystitis sachets contain compounds such as sodium citrate or potassium citrate. These ingredients work by alkalising your urine, which simply means making it less acidic. The burning or stinging feeling you experience with cystitis is partly due to the acidity of your urine irritating the already-inflamed bladder and urethra.
By reducing the acidity, these sachets help to:
–> Soothe discomfort when passing urine
–> Make your urine less irritating to the bladder lining
–> Provide temporary symptom relief while your body fights off the infection
They’re typically taken three times a day, dissolved in water, for up to two days.
Important: Cystitis Sachets Don’t Cure Infections
This is where confusion often arises. While cystitis sachets help relieve symptoms, they do not treat the bacterial infection that causes cystitis. They’re a helpful part of managing a mild episode, but they won’t kill the bacteria if your body can’t fight it off on its own.
If your symptoms last longer than two days, worsen, or you develop new symptoms such as a fever, back pain, or blood in your urine, you’ll likely need antibiotic treatment—and that’s where we can help.
When to Seek Help from a Pharmacist
Thanks to the Pharmacy First scheme, you can now come directly to Seaton Pharmacy if you’re experiencing symptoms of uncomplicated cystitis. If you’re a woman aged 16 to 64 with typical symptoms, our trained pharmacists can assess your condition and provide antibiotics if appropriate—no GP appointment needed.
We’ll also help you decide whether cystitis sachets are right for you, offer guidance on how to use them correctly, and advise on how to avoid recurring infections.
When to See a GP or Urgent Care
While many cases of cystitis are mild and short-lived, you should seek medical attention if you experience:
–> Severe pain or symptoms lasting more than two days
–> Fever, chills, or nausea
–> Pain in your back or side (could indicate a kidney infection)
–> Recurring infections—more than twice in six months
–> Cystitis symptoms during pregnancy or if you have a catheter or underlying health condition
In these cases, a GP may need to carry out further investigations or prescribe a different course of treatment.
Tips to Help Your Body Recover
Whether you’re using cystitis sachets or undergoing treatment, here are a few extra tips to support your recovery:
–> Drink plenty of water to flush out bacteria
–> Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and citrus drinks, which can irritate the bladder
–> Wear cotton underwear and avoid tight-fitting clothes
–> Don’t hold in your urine—go when you need to
–> Wipe from front to back to avoid spreading bacteria
Visit Seaton Pharmacy for Advice and Fast Treatment
If you’re struggling with cystitis symptoms, don’t suffer in silence. At Seaton Pharmacy, we’re here to help you feel better—fast. Whether it’s helping you choose the right cystitis sachets, advising on hydration, or offering prescription treatment through the Pharmacy First service, we’ve got you covered.
Drop in or contact our friendly team today for expert advice and discreet care whenever you need it. We’re here to support your health—one step at a time.
This blog was written on behalf of Seaton Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.