Nalidixic Acid

Nalidixic Acid is an antibiotic, used in the treatment of bacterial infections. It is also used in treating infections of the urinary tract, nose, throat, skin and soft tissues and lungs (pneumonia). It cures the infection by stopping the further growth of the causative microorganisms.

Nalidixic Acid should be used in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. It may be taken with or without food, preferably at a fixed time. Avoid skipping any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Simply take the next dose as planned.

You may experience nausea as a side effect of this medicine. This is usually temporary and resolves on its own, but please consult your doctor if it bothers you or persists for a longer duration. Diarrhea may also occur as a side effect but should stop when your course is complete. Inform your doctor if it does not stop or if you find blood in your stools.

You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Rarely, some people may have a severe allergic reaction which needs urgent medical attention. Signs of this include rash, swelling of the lips, tongue or face, shortness of breath or breathing problems. Special care should be taken in people with kidney problems while taking this medicine.

• Bacterial infections

Bacterial infections
Nalidixic Acid is an antibiotic medicine which can be used to treat many different infections caused by bacteria. It stops the growth of the bacteria causing the infection and clears the infection. Take it for as long as prescribed by the doctor and avoid skipping doses. This will make sure that all bacteria are killed and they do not become resistant.

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Dix

• Nausea
• Diarrhea

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Measure it with a measuring cup and take it by mouth. Shake well before use. Nalidixic Acid is to be taken empty stomach.

Nalidixic Acid is an antibiotic. It works by stopping the action of a bacterial enzyme called DNA-gyrase. This prevents the bacterial cells from dividing and repairing, thereby killing them.

• Your doctor has prescribed Nalidixic Acid to cure your infection and improve symptoms.

• Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better.

• Discontinue Nalidixic Acid and inform your doctor immediately if you get a rash, itchy skin, swelling of face and mouth, or have difficulty in breathing.

• Diarrhea may occur as a side effect but should stop when your course is complete. Inform your doctor if it doesn't stop or if you find blood in your stools.

• Notify your doctor if you feel pain in your tendons, numbness, or tingling sensations.

• Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to conceive or breastfeeding.

Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. pp. 951-52.

ScienceDirect. Nalidixic Acid. [Accessed 01 Apr.] (online) Available from:

Nalidixic Acid. Bridgewater, NJ: sanofi-aventis U.S; Aug. 2012. [Accessed 01 Apr. 2019] (online) Available from:

Chaves RG, Lamounier JA. Breastfeeding and maternal medications. J Pediatr (Rio J). 2004;80(5 Suppl):S189-98. [Accessed 01 Apr. 2019] (online) Available from: