Nalidixic acid: use in medicine

It is known that bacteria are the most frequent pathogens of inflammatory diseases and infections. To get rid of their body, use a variety of antibiotics. There are several groups of medicines that are directed against bacteria. One such remedy is nalidixic acid. It is the active substance of many antibacterial drugs. One example is the Nevigramon tablets. This drug belongs to quinolones, the pharmacological group is an antimicrobial agent. Before starting treatment, it is necessary to pass tests to identify the pathogen and test its sensitivity to the medication.

Nalidixic acid - what is it?

Certainly everyone knows drugs containing nalidixic acid. This substance has been used for many years in medicine as an antimicrobial and antiparasitic agent. Nalidixic acid, as noted, belongs to the quinolone group. Medical sources associate these substances with antibacterial drugs. Nalidixic acid is classified as synthetic medicine, that is, created in laboratory conditions. It is a light yellow powder that can not be dissolved in water. The main application of acid is medicine. It is a part of some antibiotics.

Action nalidixic acid

In order to know in what diseases nalidixic acid is used, it is necessary to study the mechanism of its action. The main effects of this drug are suppression of bacterial growth and their destruction. The mechanism of its action is to stop the synthesis of DNA from microorganisms by polymerization. Preparations of nalidixic acid act selectively on the Gram (-) bacteria. They are effective for fighting microorganisms of the Proteus genus, E. coli. Therefore, the inflammatory diseases that are caused by these bacteria are suppressed.

The effect of the medication depends on its concentration in the body. In small doses, it has only a bacteriostatic effect, that is, it suppresses the replication of DNA. Large concentrations of the drug also affect the synthesis of protein and RNA. Therefore, long-term use or administration of tablets in large doses leads to bactericidal action. It should be remembered that Gram (+) microorganisms and anaerobes are insensitive to nalidixic acid. Therefore, before assigning it, it is necessary to carry out a bacteriological study of biological material (urine, blood) and conduct an antibioticogram.

Indications for nalidixic acid

There are many inflammatory diseases in which nalidixic acid is used. Instruction in the package with the drug, with an accuracy indicates which infections the active substance is directed to. Nevertheless, it is worth considering that these diseases are not always caused by Gram (-) flora. Therefore, if the drug is ineffective, it must be replaced with another drug after 3 days. Acute inflammation of the kidneys is the main spectrum of diseases in which nalidixic acid is prescribed. The use of drugs containing this substance is common not only in nephrology, but also in other areas of medicine. The main indications are:

1. Cystitis. Inflammation of the bladder is most often caused by an E. coli and a proteus, therefore, preparations of a group of quinolones are prescribed that are highly effective against these microorganisms.
2. Pyelonephritis. Inflammation of the renal tubules is very well treatable with nalidixic acid preparations, especially in the acute phase.
3. Diagnosis of infections of the urinary system. In this case, the drugs are prescribed before urological manipulations and operations.
4. Acute otitis media.
5. Cholecystitis.
6. Inflammatory diseases of the thick and small intestine (enterocolitis).
7. Urethritis and prostatitis.

Nalidixic acid can also be prescribed for other infections caused by Gram (-) microorganisms.

What preparations contain nalidixic acid?

There are many drugs containing nalidixic acid. All of them have the same action and indications for use. In some cases, the dose of the main active substance is different. Different names and prices for these drugs depend on the country of origin and the company that produces the medicine. The most famous representative is the drug Nevigramon. This drug has many analogues. Among them, medicines: "Negra", "Nalid", "Cystidine", "Vintomilon", "Urogram" and others. All these drugs have a similar effect on the body.

Nalidixic acid: instructions for use of the drug

Preparations containing nalidixic acid should be taken at a dosage of 500 mg 3-4 times a day. In most cases, this amount of active ingredient is contained in one tablet or capsule. With severe inflammation, you can take 1000 mg 4 times a day. Children should calculate the dosage (60 mg / kg body weight).

Contraindications and side effects

Like most antibacterial drugs, nalidixic acid is contraindicated in women who are in the first trimester of pregnancy and breastfeeding. Also, these medicines can not be used by children under 2 years of age. Among other contraindications, renal and hepatic insufficiency are distinguished.

Side effects include disruption of the digestive tract (flatulence, nausea, vomiting), dizziness, allergic reactions. Caution should be applied nalidixic acid to people suffering from neurological pathologies (Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, ONMIK).