Nalidixic Acid (Systemic)

Brand Names : NegGram

Proper Use of This Medicine

Do not give this medicine to infants or children unless otherwise directed by your doctor. It has been shown to cause bone problems in young animals and may cause these problems in children.

Nalidixic acid is best taken with a full glass (8 ounces) of water on an empty stomach (either 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals). However, if this medicine causes nausea or upset stomach, it may be taken with food or milk. Several additional glasses of water should be taken every day, unless you are otherwise directed by your doctor.

For patients taking the oral liquid form of this medicine:

• Use a specially marked measuring spoon or other device to measure each dose accurately. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.

To help clear up your infection completely, keep taking this medicine for the full time of treatment , even if you begin to feel better after a few days. Do not miss any doses .

Dosing - The dose of nalidixic acid will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of nalidixic acid. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The number of tablets or teaspoonfuls of suspension that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are taking nalidixic acid .

• For oral dosage forms (oral suspension or tablets):
  • Adults and children 12 years of age and older: 1 gram (g) every six hours (four times a day) for one to two weeks to start; then, 500 milligrams (mg) every six hours.
  • Children 3 months to 12 years of age: The dose is based on body weight and must be determined by the doctor.
  • Infants up to 3 months of age: This medicine is not recommended in infants up to 3 months of age since nalidixic acid has been shown to cause bone problems in young animals.

Missed dose - If you do miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store the tablet form of this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Keep the oral liquid form of this medicine from freezing.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.