$Unique_ID{BRK02048}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{NALIDIXIC ACID}
$Subject{NegGram (Winthrop)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


NALIDIXIC ACID
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BRAND NAME (Manufacturer):
     NegGram (Winthrop)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Antibiotic
INGREDIENT:
     nalidixic acid
DOSAGE FORMS:
     Tablets (250 mg, 500 mg, and 1,000 mg)
     Oral suspension (250 mg per 5-ml spoonful)
STORAGE:
     Nalidixic acid tablets and suspension should be stored at room
temperature in tightly closed containers.  This medication should never be
frozen.

USES

     Nalidixic acid is an antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial urinary
tract infections.  It works by preventing the growth and multiplication of
susceptible bacteria.  This medication is not effective against viruses,
parasites, or fungi.

TREATMENT

     In order to avoid stomach irritation, you can take nalidixic acid with
food or with a full glass of water or milk (unless your doctor directs you to
do otherwise).
     The suspension form of this medication should be shaken well just before
measuring each dose.  The contents tend to settle on the bottom of the bottle,
so it is necessary to shake the container to distribute the ingredients evenly
and equalize the doses.  Each dose should then be measured carefully with a
specially designed 5-ml measuring spoon.  An ordinary kitchen teaspoon is not
accurate enough to ensure that you receive the proper dose.
     Nalidixic acid works best when the level of medicine in your bloodstream
and urine is kept constant.  It is best, therefore, to take the doses at
evenly spaced intervals day and night.  For example, if you are to take four
doses a day, the doses should be spaced six hours apart.
     Try not to miss any doses of this medication.  If you do miss a dose,
take it as soon as you remember.  However, if it is almost time for your next
dose, take the missed dose immediately; space the following dose about halfway
through the regular dosing interval; and then continue with your regular
dosing schedule.
     It is important to continue to take this medication for the entire time
prescribed by your doctor (usually seven to 14 days), even if the symptoms
disappear before the end of that period.  If you stop taking the drug too
soon, resistant bacteria are given a chance to continue growing, and your
infection could recur.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Abdominal pain, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea,
vomiting, or weakness.  These side effects should disappear as your body
adjusts to the medication.
     This medication can increase your sensitivity to sunlight.  You should,
therefore, avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and sunlamps.  Wear protective
clothing and sunglasses, and use an effective sunscreen.
     If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down for a while; get up slowly from a
sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
convulsions, itching, joint pain, skin rash, tingling sensations, unusual
bleeding or bruising, visual disturbances, or yellowing of the eyes or skin.

INTERACTIONS

     This drug can interact with several other types of drugs:
     1. Nalidixic acid can increase the effects of oral anticoagulants, which
can lead to bleeding complications.
     2. Nitrofurantoin can reduce the effectiveness of nalidixic acid.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially any listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to nalidixic acid or to cinoxacin or norfloxacin.
     * Before starting to take this medication, be sure to tell your doctor if
you now have or if you have ever had brain disorders, epilepsy, kidney
disease, or liver disease.
     * If this drug makes you dizzy or drowsy, do not take part in any
activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating
potentially dangerous machinery.
     * This drug has been prescribed for your current infection only.  Another
infection later on, or one that someone else has, may require a different
medicine.  You should not give your medication to other people or use it for
other infections, unless your doctor specifically directs you to do so.
     * Diabetic patients should know that nalidixic acid can cause
false-positive readings of Clinitest urine glucose tests.  Temporarily
changing to Clinistix or Tes-Tape urine glucose tests avoids this problem.
CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR before adjusting the dosage of your antidiabetic
medication.
     * If the symptoms of your infection do not improve within several days
after starting this medication, CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR.  Nalidixic acid may
not be effective against the organism causing your infection.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Although nalidixic
acid may cross the placenta, it appears to be safe during pregnancy.  However,
extensive studies in humans have not been conducted.  Also, tell your doctor
if you are breast-feeding an infant.  Small amounts of nalidixic acid pass
into breast milk.

----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
