Nalidixic acid: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

What Drug Nalidixic Acid?

What is nalidixic acid for?

Nalidixic acid is commonly used to treat urinary tract infections caused by certain bacteria. This drug belongs to the quinolone class of antibiotic drugs. Nalidixic acid works by stopping bacterial growth.

Antibiotics such as nalidixic acid will not affect viral infections such as fever and influenza. Taking unnecessary antibiotics puts you at risk of making your body more susceptible to infections that are resistant to antibiotic treatment in the future. Use this medication according to your doctor's instructions.

How do you use nalidixic acid?

Follow the rules given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Use nalidixic acid as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for precise dosing instructions.

Take nalidixic acid with or without food. If stomach pain occurs, drink it with food to reduce stomach irritation.

Do not take products that contain magnesium (for example, quinapril, ddI, vitamins), aluminum, calcium, sucralfate, iron, or zinc supplements within 2 to 3 hours of taking nalidixic acid. The above drugs will bind to nalidixic acid and prevent drug absorption.

Drink a full glass of water at each dose. Drink a few extra glasses of water every day, unless directed otherwise by your doctor. Do not drink caffeinated products while taking nalidixic acid.

Take this drug until it runs out according to the consumption period prescribed by your doctor. Keep consuming it even if you feel better within a few days.

Ask your doctor any questions you have about how to use nalidixic acid.

How to store nalidixic acid?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Nalidixic Acid Dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage for nalidixic acid for adults?

Usual adult dose for lower bladder tract infections, noncomplicated

Adults: 1 g 4 times / day for 1-2 weeks.

Long-term therapy: reduce daily dose to 2 g.

Typical dosage for adults with shigellosis
Adult: 1 g 4 times / day for 5 days.

What is the dosage for nalidixic acid for children?

Usual child dosage for lower bladder tract infections, noncomplicated

Child:

> 3 months: 50 mg / kg / day in 4 divided doses.

Long-term therapy: Reduce daily dose to 30 mg / kg / day.

Prophylaxis: 15 mg / kg.

Usual children's dosage for shigellosis
Child:

≥3 months: 15 mg / kg 4 times daily, for 5 days.

In what dosage is nalidixic acid available?

Nalidixic Acid is available in the following dosages and forms:
• Suspension, Oral: 250 mg / 5 mL

Nalidixic Acid side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to nalidixic acid?

All drugs can cause side effects, but many people do not or have very few side effects. Check with your doctor if any of the side effects below persist or get worse:
diarrhea; dizzy; drowsiness; spinning feeling; headache; nausea; rash; stomach pain or discomfort; gag.

Seek immediate medical attention if any of the following serious side effects occur:

Severe allergic reaction (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blurred vision; tingling sensation; changes in color vision; seizures; decreased ability to feel pain, temperature, or body position; double vision; itchy; numb; pain; tendon pain, redness, or swelling; see halos around lights; fatigue.

Not everyone experiences this side effect. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have any concerns about side effects, please consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Nalidixic Acid Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using nalidixic acid?

Before taking Nalidixic Acid,

• contact your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to nalidixic acid or any other drugs
• tell your doctor and pharmacist about prescription and non-prescription drugs, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products that you are currently taking or planning to consume
• call your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while using nalidixic acid, call your doctor
• have porphyria blood disease or a history of seizures
• You are undergoing cancer chemotherapy with melphalan or related fabric drugs, or you are taking antiarrhythmics for an abnormal heartbeat (for example, quinidine, procainamide, amiodarone, sotalol)

Is nalidixic acid safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is pregnancy risk category B according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:
• A = no risk
• B = no risk in some studies
• C = there may be some risks
• D = positive evidence of risk
• X = contraindicated
• N = unknown

Nalidixic Acid Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with nalidixic acid?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), antiarrhythmics (eg, quinidine, procainamide, amiodarone, sotalol), certain drugs that affect heart rate (eg, cisapride, erythromycin, amitriptyline), cyclosporine, melphalan, or theophylline because the risk of side effects may increase by nalidixic acid.

Probenecid due to the effectiveness of nalidixic acid can be decreased and the risk of side effects can be increased with nalidixic acid.

Can food or alcohol interact with nalidixic acid?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or around meals at certain foods or foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with nalidixic acid?

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this drug. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Alzheimer's disease
  • central nervous system disease
  • hardening of the arteries in your brain
  • increased pressure in your brain
  • heart problem
  • sensitive to the sun
  • severe kidney problems
  • family history of heart rate problems

Overdosage of Nalidixic Acid

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.