Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for treating a urinary tract infection (UTI). The methods involve administering to a subject in need thereof a cAMP elevator or agent that mimics cAMP, particularly a labdane diterpene such as forskolin or a derivative or analog thereof in a therapeutically effective amount to treat a UTI. The methods may further include administration of at least one cAMP elevator in combination with one or more additional active compounds from other classes of therapeutic agents, such as antimicrobial agents or cholesterol lowering drugs. Compositions of the invention include pharmaceutical compositions and kits for treating a UTI in a subject in need thereof that include therapeutically effective amounts of at least two cAMP elevators, particularly where one of the cAMP elevators is a labdane diterpene such as forskolin or a derivative or analog thereof.