Bacteria are known to be the most common causative agents of inflammatory diseases and infections. To rid the body of them, use various antibiotics. There are several groups of medicines whose action is directed against bacteria. One such agent is nalidixic acid. It is the active substance of many antibacterial drugs. One example is Nevigramon tablets. This drug belongs to quinolones, the pharmacological group is antimicrobial agents. Before starting treatment, it is necessary to take tests to identify the pathogen and check its sensitivity to the medication.
Nalidixic acid - what is it?
Surely everyone knows drugs containing nalidixic acid. This substance has been used in medicine for many years as an antimicrobial and antiparasitic agent. Nalidixic acid, as noted, belongs to the group of quinolones. Medical sources link these substances with antibacterial drugs. Nalidixic acid is referred to as synthetic medicine, that is, created in the laboratory. It is a light yellow powder that cannot be dissolved in water. The main area of application of acid is medicine. It is part of some antibiotics.
The effect of nalidixic acid
In order to know which diseases to use nalidixic acid, it is necessary to study the mechanism of its action. The main effects of this drug are the inhibition of bacterial growth and their destruction. The mechanism of its action is to stop the synthesis of DNA of microorganisms by polymerization. Nalidixic acid preparations act selectively on Gram (-) bacteria. They are effective for combating microorganisms of the genus Proteus, Escherichia coli. Therefore, they suppress the inflammatory diseases that are caused by these bacteria.
The effect of the drug depends on its concentration in the body. In small doses, it has only a bacteriostatic effect, that is, it inhibits DNA replication. Large concentrations of the drug also affect protein and RNA synthesis. Therefore, prolonged use or administration of tablets in large doses leads to a bactericidal effect. It should be remembered that Gram (+) microorganisms and anaerobes are insensitive to nalidixic acid. Therefore, before prescribing it, it is necessary to perform a bacteriological examination of the biological material (urine, blood) and conduct an antibioticogram.
Indications for the use of nalidixic acid
There are many inflammatory diseases in which nalidixic acid is used. The instruction, which is in the package with the drug, accurately 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:
- Cystitis. Inflammation of the bladder is most often caused by Escherichia coli and Proteus, therefore, drugs of the quinolone group are prescribed, which are highly effective against these microorganisms.
- Pyelonephritis. Inflammation of the renal tubules responds very well to treatment with nalidixic acid preparations, especially in the acute phase.
- Diagnosis of urinary tract infections. In this case, the drugs are prescribed before urological manipulations and operations.
- Acute otitis media.
- Cholecystitis.
- Inflammatory diseases of the large and small intestines (enterocolitis).
- Urethritis and prostatitis.
Nalidixic acid can also be prescribed for other infections caused by Gram (-) microorganisms.
What drugs contain nalidixic acid?
There are many drugs containing nalidixic acid. All of them have the same effect and indications for use. In some cases, the dose of the main active substance is different. The different names and prices of these drugs depend on the country of manufacture and the company that produces the medicine. The most famous representative is the drug "Nevigramon." This drug has many analogues. Among them are medicines: Negram, 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 must be taken in 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. In children, the dosage (60 mg / kg body weight) should be calculated.
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 should not be used for children under 2 years old. Among other contraindications, renal and liver failure are distinguished.
Side effects include disruption of the digestive tract (flatulence, nausea, vomiting), dizziness, allergic reactions. With caution, nalidixic acid should be used for persons suffering from neurological pathologies (Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, stroke).