Nalidixic Acid

Generic name: Nalidixic Acid [ nal-i-DIKS-ik-AS-id ]
Drug classes: Quinolones and fluoroquinolones, Urinary anti-infectives

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 17, 2023.

Uses of Nalidixic Acid:

• It is used to treat infections.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Nalidixic Acid?

• If you are allergic to nalidixic acid; any part of nalidixic acid; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have ever had seizures.
• If you have porphyria.
• If you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with nalidixic acid.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take nalidixic acid with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Nalidixic Acid?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take nalidixic acid. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• This medicine may affect certain lab tests. Tell all of your health care providers and lab workers that you take nalidixic acid.
• Do not use longer than you have been told. A second infection may happen.
• You may get sunburned more easily. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen and wear clothing and eyewear that protects you from the sun. Keep protecting yourself from sunburn for as long as you were told by your doctor.
• Be careful if you have G6PD deficiency. Anemia may happen.
• Change in eyesight may rarely happen. Eyesight most often gets back to normal when nalidixic acid is stopped.
• Tendons may rarely get irritated and tear.
• Use with care in children. Talk with the doctor.
• Do not give nalidixic acid to a child younger than 3 months of age.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using nalidixic acid while you are pregnant.

How is this medicine (Nalidixic Acid) best taken?

Use nalidixic acid as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

All oral products:

• Take on an empty stomach or at least 1 hour before a meal.
• Keep using nalidixic acid as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.

Tablets:

• Take with a full glass of water.

Liquid:

• Shake well before use.
• Measure liquid doses carefully. Use the measuring device that comes with nalidixic acid. If there is none, ask the pharmacist for a device to measure nalidixic acid.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

Related/similar drugs

amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, cephalexin, levofloxacin, nitrofurantoin, Bactrim, Keflex, Macrobid, sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Joint pain or swelling.
• Mood changes.
• Change in the way you act.
• Very bad headache.
• Feeling confused.
• Change in eyesight.
• Seizures.

What are some other side effects of Nalidixic Acid?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Feeling sleepy.
• Dizziness.
• Headache.
• Feeling tired or weak.
• Stomach pain.
• Upset stomach or throwing up.
• Diarrhea.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Nalidixic Acid?

• Store at room temperature.
• Protect from light.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about nalidixic acid, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer