The Effect of Canephron N in Preventing Urinary Tract Infection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
In brief
Canephron N group had 8.9% UTI recurrence versus 17.8% with antibiotics
A review of 12 studies involving 3,821 patients found 6-month UTI recurrence rates of 8.9% with Canephron N and 17.8% with antibiotics, with similar symptom relief. Gastrointestinal events were less frequent with Canephron N, but differences across study designs and comparators created moderate heterogeneity, so the findings need cautious interpretation.
- Journal
- Neurourology and urodynamics (Q1)
- Published
- 24 September 2026
- Study design
- Systematic review / meta-analysis of RCTs
- Evidence level
- Level 1, High (CEBM 1a)
- Authors
- Ezgi Seyhan Ak, Yeliz Çulha, Mehmet Gökhan Çulha
- PMID
- 42781758
- DOI
- 10.1002/nau.70449
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Urology (paper of the day, 25 September 2026): Systematic review of Canephron N for UTI prevention
Abstract
AIM: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections, particularly in women, with significant implications for quality of life and healthcare costs. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Canephron N in preventing UTIs, comparing its effects to antibiotics and assessing its potential as an antibiotic-sparing alternative. METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive literature search across multiple databases (Embase, PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov) up to July 2025, following PRISMA guidelines. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane RoB 2 for RCTs and ROBINS-I for non-randomized studies. Meta-analyses were performed using random-effects models, with outcomes including bacteriuria presence, Acute Cystitis Symptom Scores (ACSS), and adverse events. Heterogeneity was quantified via the I2 statistic. RESULTS: From 246 initially identified records, 12 studies (eight RCTs, three observational, one retrospective; n = 3821 patients) were included. Canephron N demonstrated non-inferiority to antibiotics in reducing UTI recurrence (6-month rates: 8.9% vs. 17.8%) and symptom severity (ACSS reduction: -1.9 to -2.3 points). Pooled analyses revealed significant difference in bacteriuria clearance (RR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.20-1.48, p < 0.0001) and no significant adverse events (RR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.69-1.18, p = 0.43), though gastrointestinal events were less frequent with Canephron (4.8% vs. 7.1%). Heterogeneity was moderate (I2 = 72% for bacteriuria outcomes), attributed to variability in study designs and comparators. CONCLUSION: Canephron N is an effective and safe alternative to antibiotics for preventing uncomplicated UTIs, with comparable symptom relief and a lower ecological impact.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.