Background

• Primary vesicoureteral reflux occurs due to deformities with one of your ureters or your bladder and typically develops during childhood. Secondary vesicoureteral reflux is a result of a blockage in one of your ureters, usually because of bladder infections.
  
  

Identification

• Antibiotic medications are typically used for the treatment of both primary and secondary vesicoureteral reflux. Primary reflux may also require surgery, according to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse.
  
  

Function of Medications

• Antibiotic medications work by preventing bacterial cells from producing certain chemicals needed for reproduction, which weakens the bacteria and eventually leads to its death. For primary vesicoureteral reflux, this prevents damage to your kidneys due, while in secondary cases of the condition, it eliminates the bladder infection contributing to the reflux.
  
  

Types of Medications

• Antibiotics typically used for the treatment of vesicoureteral reflux include trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and nitrofurantoin.
  
  

Risks

• The most common side effects of antibiotics used for the treatment of vesicoureteral reflux include nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, according to the Mayo Clinic. Antibiotics also pose a risk for inflammation of your colon or pseudomembraneous colitis and cause serious allergic reactions in some patients, cautions the Merck Medical Manual.
  
  

Features of Surgery

• Surgery for vesicoureteral reflux involves repairing the valve that keeps urine stored inside of the bladder or correcting any deformities in your ureters. In some cases, doctors are able to use endoscopic or minimally invasive surgery done through your urethra rather than a full incision in your abdomen.