Nalidixic Acid is an antibiotic. It is used to treat certain bacterial infections of the urinary tract.
Take Nalidixic Acid exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take Nalidixic Acid together with food or immediately after a meal. Always take it with a full glass of water, unless your doctor has specifically told you not to do so.
Nalidixic Acid is available as a tablet or an oral suspension.
If you are taking the oral suspension, shake the bottle well before you take it to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure out your prescribed dose.
Nalidixic Acid must be taken at regular intervals for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of antibiotic. If you don't, the infection will not clear completely.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take Nalidixic Acid if you have ever had an allergic reaction (rashes, breathlessness, swollen mouth or eyes) to similar antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, lomefloxacin, moxifloxacin, norfloxacin and ofloxacin.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- severe kidney disease
- history of epilepsy (fits or seizures)
- history of porphyria (an inherited disorder that may cause skin or nerve problems)
as Nalidixic Acid may not be suitable for you.
Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with this medicine.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- liver disease
- G6PD deficiency (an inherited blood disorder that affects the red blood cell)
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly. He may also need to do routine blood tests, liver and kidney function tests while you are being treated with Nalidixic Acid. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
Nalidixic Acid may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Nalidixic Acid may also cause your skin to be more sensitive to sunlight. Avoid direct or prolonged exposure to the sun or ultraviolet (UV) light, including tanning beds and sun lamps.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. If you have diarrhoea, drink lots of water to replace the fluids lost.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swollen mouth or eyes
- ruptured tendon usually characterized by a snap or pop you hear or feel, severe pain, bruising, and marked weakness on the affected area e.g. kneecap, shoulders, heel
- numbness or tingling sensation in the hands and feet
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not existent)
- seizures
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other antibiotics e.g. tetracycline, chloramphenicol, nitrofurantoin
- medicines for gout e.g. probenecid
- medicines used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders e.g. ciclosporin
- warfarin (blood-thinning medicine)
- theophylline (an asthma medicine)
- sucralfate (gastric medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Nalidixic Acid.
This medicine should not be taken at the same time as antacids or supplements that contain aluminium, calcium, iron, magnesium, or zinc. These may reduce the effectiveness of Nalidixic Acid. If you must take antacids or multivitamins containing aluminium, calcium, iron, magnesium or zinc, take Nalidixic Acid at least 2 hours intervals with such products.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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