The health food store recommended that I start taking d-Mannose for urinary tract infections.  I can't find out about it and want to know if it is safe with other medications, etc.

My homepathic doctor decribed it as coating you urinary tract with teflon.

D-Mannose is a naturally-occurring simple sugar that is closely related to glucose. When ingested, it is absorbed slowly from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It then goes directly to the blood stream, mostly filtered through the kidneys and routed to the bladder. The bladder lining is comprised of polysaccharide molecules. An infection is initiated when finger-like projections on the cell surface of E. coli bacteria adhere to these molecules. D-Mannose helps dislodge E. coli bacteria from the bladder wall, resulting in their expulsion during urination. Since D-Mannose does not kill micro-organisms, but merely helps flush them out, it does not lead to major disruptions in normal body microflora as some antibiotics do.

I am not sure about taking them with other meds....

 Is there a time limit or is it like a vitiamin you take everyday?  Or do you just take it when you have an infection?

Dr. said to take everyday. I would just google and read all you can about it. I think it is always best to be your own advocate when it comes to your health. Read the reviews in places where you can order it.

Thank you, I'll check it out more.  I just feel better hearing from someone that has been taking a supplement.