Quinolones; Antibacterial
Nalidixic acid is a synthetic narrow spectrum antibacterial. It is bacteriostatic or bactericidal depending on the concentration. Nalidixic acid appears to act by inhibiting bacterial DNA synthesis, possibly by interfering with DNA polymerization. It is rapidly and completely absorbed from the G.I. Tract. Parent drug and active metabolites are distributed to most tissues specially to the kidney and to the urine. During normal renal function, half-life is 1.1 to 2.5 hours and when renal function is impaired, half-life is up to 21 hours. It is rapidly and almost completely excreted within 24 hours.
Infants & children 3 months of age & over. Initial: Oral 13.75 mg per kg body weight every six hours for one or two weeks. Maintenance: Oral 8.25 mg per kg body weight every six hours. Usual adult dose initially is 1 g every 6 hours for 7 days reducing to 500 mg every 6 hours or as prescribed by the physician.
Concomitant use of Nalidixic acid with melphalan there have been reports of death froms severe blood containing diarrhoea caused by hemorrhagic ulcerative colitis. Probenecids inhibits tubular secretion of nalidixic acid and may therefore elevate serum concentration, possibly enhancing toxicity. Chlorpromazine and Perphenazine have been shown to potentiate the effect of Nalidixic Acid in vitro.
Risk-benefit must be considered during the first trimester of pregnancy & during breast feeding, impaired renal or hepatic function. Nalidixic acid is contraindicated in the following cases - Infants under 3 months, epilepsy, CNS lesions.
Gastro-intestinal disturbances including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, allergic reaction including urticaria, rashes, fever, arthralgia, muscle weakness, phototoxicity.
This drug should be used in pregnancy only if clearly needed. Nalidxic acid excreted into milk in small amounts. It is compatible with breast feeding.
Keep below 30°C temperature, away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.
.png&w=384&q=75)