Nalidixic acid

Nalidixic acid is the first of the synthetic quinolone antibiotics.

Nalidixic acid

Nalidixic acid; 389-08-2; Nalidixin; Nevigramon; Uronidix; Nalidixate

Diarlop SUSP, Dix, Gramoneg, Nadix Acutab, Negadix

1-ethyl-7-methyl-4-oxo-1,4-dihydro-1,8-naphthyridine-3-carboxylic acid

Bioavailability is approximately 96%.

Nalidixic acid is a quinolone antibacterial agent for oral administration. Nalidixic acid has marked antibacterial activity against gram-negative bacteria including Enterobacter species, Escherichia coli, Morganella Morganii; Proteus Mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris, and Providencia rettgeri. 

Administer 1g four times daily for one or two weeks.

Prescribed for urinary tract infections caused by susceptible gram-negative microorganisms, including the majority of E. Coli, Enterobacter species, Klebsiella species, and Proteus species.

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain; photosensitivity reactions, allergic rash, urticaria, pruritus; visual disturbances, headache, dizziness or vertigo, drowsiness, confusion, depression, excitement, hallucinations, toxic psychoses or convulsions, metabolic acidosis; peripheral neuropathies, muscular weakness, myalgia; arthralgia, tendon damage; cholestatic jaundice, thrombocytopenia, leucopenia.

• Absorption reduced by sucralfate, and divalent and trivalent cations e.g. aluminium, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc.
• Excretion reduced and plasma concentrations increased with probenecid.
• When used with high-dose melphalan Fatal haemorrhagic enterocolitis may occur in children.
• Increased risk of nephrotoxicity with ciclosporin.
• May increase effects of oral anticoagulants e.g. warfarin.
• Reduced effects with chloramphenicol, nitrofurantoin, tetracycline.

Hypersensitivity. History of convulsive disorders or porphyria. Infants <3 mth. Severe renal impairment.

Store at room temperature

Molecular weight

232.2353

Molecular formula

C12H12N2O3

CAS number

389-08-2

Precautions

Hepatic or moderate renal impairment, severe cerebral arteriosclerosis, G6PD deficiency. Monitor blood counts, renal and hepatic function for treatment >2 wk. Children <18 yr. Elderly. Avoid exposure to sunlight or sunlamps. Pregnancy and lactation.