A Fresh Look At Nalidixic Acid

Nalidixic acid is a member of a class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones and is primarily used for various urinary tract infections as it kills bacteria and prevents more from growing. It is believed to be ineffective for other infections or illnesses. Nalidixic acid interactions affect both medicines and certain foods. It is recommended that a healthcare professional discusses the benefits and risks of taking this antibiotic before it is used. According to a 2004 article in the journal Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, as of 2003, some 2.3 percent of salmonella from samples were nalidixic acid-resistant–a significant increase from just 0.4 percent some seven years before. Like many other fluoroquinolones, it works by inhibiting an enzyme called DNA gyrase that the bacteria need to help unwind their DNA during replication; consequently, it’s active against a wide variety of bacteria, since many bacteria are vulnerable to this kind of attack. The drug quickly passes through the body and in the kidneys and liver, which typically means it enters the bladder in higher concentrations. This is partially why nalidixic acid is effective for urinary infections and so ineffective for other infections. It is rare for this medicine to be prescribed for other types of infections. Usually, nalidixic acid dose is dependent on the exact type of the urinary infection as well as the severity. Doses for adolescents and small children also depend on their height and weight. It is not recommended for infants under the age of three months. There are no specific dose changes for elderly people, but anyone with kidney or liver problems may require a smaller dose. Some drugs, such as those that contain calcium, aluminum or magnesium, are not recommended while using nalidixic acid unless noted otherwise by the prescribing healthcare professional. This is because it may interfere with proper drug absorption. The antibiotic may also create false positives during urinary glucose tests. 2-Amino-6-picoline, with the molecular formula C6H8N2 and CAS number 1824-81-3, is used as an intermediate for nalidixic acid. Side effects of nalidixic acid typically include abdominal pain, loss of appetite, headache, nausea, vomiting and occasionally diarrhea. More serious side effects that may require medical attention include problems with vision, insomnia, seizures and hallucinations. There is also a chance of allergic reaction, which is typically followed by rash, fever, swelling or difficulty breathing. It is possible for anaphylactic shock to occur, so it is highly recommended to seek medical help if an allergic reaction is suspected. Uriah Sweety is the freelance writer for e-commerce website in the chemistry. Guidechem.com is just a place for you to look for some chemicals! Our guidechem provide the most convenient conditions for the international buyers and let these leads benefit all the business people.