Treatment for pyelonephritis may include:

• Rest
• Encourage liquids
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain
• Ibuprofen
• Naproxen
• Ketoprofen
• Narcotic pain medication
• Medication for bladder pain:
• Phenazopyridine (Pyridium, Urodine, Urogesic)
• Oral antibiotics for pyelonephritis
• Pyelonephritis clinical trials

Treatment for severe pyelonephritis may also include:

• Intravenous fluids
• Intravenous antibiotics for pyelonephritis
• Surgery for pyelonephritis

In the following situations, surgery may be required to treat pyelonephritis:

• Renal abscess:
• A collection of pus forms in the kidney
• Kidney stones
• Pyelonephritis occurs in someone who has a kidney stone.
• Structure of the kidney, ureters or bladder is abnormal