Why it is Prescribed
Nalidixic acid, an antibiotic, eliminates bacteria that cause urinary tract infections. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Important Warning
Nalidixic acid is no longer available in the U.S. If you are currently taking nalidixic acid, you should call your doctor to discuss switching to another treatment.
How it Works
Nalidixic acid comes as a caplet and a liquid to take by mouth. Nalidixic acid usually is taken four times a day for 7-14 days and ...
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Why it is Prescribed
Nalidixic acid, an antibiotic, eliminates bacteria that cause urinary tract infections. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Important Warning
Nalidixic acid is no longer available in the U.S. If you are currently taking nalidixic acid, you should call your doctor to discuss switching to another treatment.
How it Works
Nalidixic acid comes as a caplet and a liquid to take by mouth. Nalidixic acid usually is taken four times a day for 7-14 days and is sometimes taken in smaller doses for longer periods of time. Shake the liquid well before each use to mix the medication evenly. Take nalidixic acid with a full glass of water on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take nalidixic acid exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Precautions
Before taking nalidixic acid,
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to nalidixic acid or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), and vitamins.
do not take with antacids (Mylanta, Maalox, Tums); didanosine (Videx) chewable/buffered tablets or powder; calcium, iron or zinc supplements; or sucralfate (Carafate). Take them 2 hours before or after nalidixic acid.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had epilepsy; liver, lung, or kidney disease; seizures; or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency (an inherited blood disease).
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become ...
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Possible Side Effects
Although side effects from nalidixic acid are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
upset stomach
vomiting
stomach pain
diarrhea
muscle pain
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Special Dietary Concerns
Nalidixic acid may cause an upset stomach. Take nalidixic acid with food or milk.
Storage Conditions
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
