UtyChews Clinically Proven Relief from Urinary Tract Infections.

A cranberry flavored soft chew containing 500mg of Cran-Max Cranberry Concentrate. A recently published study in the peer-reviewed Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy has shown that the administration of Cran-Max, a proprietary cranberry concentrate, provided comparable results to the commonly prescribed antibiotic trimethoprim, for the prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections in older women.

Action: In a randomized, controlled clinical trial, 137 woman who experienced two or more UTI's treated with antibiotics on the previous 12 months were selected to receive either 500mg of Cran-Max or 100 mg of trimethoprim per day for six months. The researchers found that the time to first recurrence of UTI was not significantly different between the groups. The research concluded that in the first head to head double blind comparison of cranberry versus antibiotic prophlaxis, trimethoprim had a very limited advantage over Cran-Max in the prevention of recurrent UTI's in older women while Cran-Max produced none of the adverse effects associated with timethoprim including diarrhea, upset stomach and yeast infection. In addition, trimethoprim is contraindicated for warfarin and should not be taken together. Unlike other products, UtyChews do not contain bromalin and do not interact with warfarin or any other medications.

Oral Dosing: One to two UtyChews per day (500-1000mg of Cran-Max) for prevention. There are no known medication contraindictions to UtyChews.

Policy: In accordance with The National Patient Safety Goals, it is the policy of this facility to reduce the occurrences of nosocomial infections and pressure ulcers. Recurring urinary tract infections create a series of nosocomial infections. Prevention of UTI's with the potential for incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) is also key in any pressure ulcer prevention strategy. UTI's are the most common infections in adults and the second most common infection in women. Additionally, the use of UtyChews instead of trimethoprin for the treatment of current UTI's complies with CMS guidelines to reduce polypharmacy by optimizing non-pharmacologic alternatives. Cran-Max proprietary cranberry extract is the most widely studied cranberry supplement available. Several published, peer reviewed, randomized clinical studies have shown that it is helpful for the prevention of UTI's. It is unique from other products because it is a whole berry supplement made from a proprietary process that utilizes all of the vital parts of the cranberry; skin, seeds, pulp, juice and fiber.

Procedure:

1. Explain to healthcare staff the role of UtyChews in the prevention of reoccurring UTI's.
2. Select residents with a history of reoccurring UTI's, urinary incontinence, neurogenic bladder requiring intermittent catherization or foley dependency as in spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, and other neuromuscular disorders and other patients with a risk factor for UTI's.
3. Administer UtyChews orally. See dosing
4. Maintain proper hydration of patients. International fluid recommendations are 25-35mL/kg of usual body weight in adults depending on the clinical condition of the patient.
5. Monitor and continue use.
6. Reassess and determine the need for a dose adjustment and appropriate continued use based on resident's/patient's response.