Nalidixic Acid

Properties:

• Formula: C₁₂H₁₂N₂O₃
• CAS ID: 389-08-2
• ATC code: J01MB02 (WHO)
• Elimination half-life: 6-7 hours, significantly longer in renal impairment
• Molar mass: 232.239 gmol1
• Synonyms:1,4-Dihydro-1-ethyl-7-methyl-1,8-naphthyridin-4-one-3-carboxylic acid, 1-Ethyl-1,4-dihydro-7-methyl-4-oxo-1,8-naphthyridine-3-carboxylic acid
• CAS Number:389-08-2
• Molecular Weight:232.24
• Density:1.33 g/cm³
• Boiling Point:413.1 C
• Melting Point:227-229 C
• Form:Powder
• Color:White to light yellow

How does it work?

Nalidixic acid is known as a quinolone antibiotic that interferes with a bacterial enzyme that reproduces and repairs the genetic material (DNA) of bacteria. The enzyme is essential for bacterial reproduction and repair.

Applications Or where it is used:

This medication treats urinary tract infections caused by susceptible gram-negative microorganisms, such as Klebsiella species, E. Coli, Enterobacter species, and Proteus species. A quinolone antibacterial, Nalidixic Acid is taken orally.

Dosage of usage:

Adults

Adults are prescribed a dosage of 1 g administered four times daily for a period of one or two weeks (3 g daily total). After the initial treatment period, the daily dose may be reduced to 2 g. If the dosage is too low during the initial treatment, bacterial resistance may develop.

Pediatric Patients

The use of Nalidixic Acid on infants under three months of age should be avoided until further experience is gained. Children aged 12 and under should be dosed based on body weight. To initiate treatment, the daily dosage should be 25 mg/lb (55 mg/kg) divided into four equally spaced doses. If treatment is prolonged, the dose can be reduced to 15 mg/lb/day (33 mg/kg/day). The suspension or capsules of 250 mg may be used. Each 250 mg capsule equates to a teaspoon (5mL) of suspension.

Side effects:

Nalidixic Acid has been linked to the following reactions after oral administration:

• CNS effects
• Drowsiness
• Weakness
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Vertigo

There have been very few reports of reversible subjective visual disturbances without objective evidence (generally occurring with each dose during the first few days of treatment). A wide range of reactions can occur, including over-bright lights, altered color perception, difficulty focusing, a loss of visual acuity, and double vision. These effects usually disappeared when the dosage was reduced or the therapy discontinued. Occasionally, there have been cases of toxic psychosis or brief convulsions following excessive doses. Patients with epilepsy or cerebral arteriosclerosis are generally more prone to convulsions. The treatment of newborns and children with nalidixic acid may occasionally result in increased intracranial pressure with bulging anterior fontanels, papilledema, and headache. Sixth cranial nerve palsy has been reported in some cases.

Patients with CNS disorders, such as cerebral arteriosclerosis or epilepsy, or those who are susceptible to seizures should use Nalidixic acid with caution. Nalidixic acid should not be administered to patients exhibiting these adverse reactions.