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Nalidixic acid

  • Nalidixic acid is used for the treatment of infections including cystitis.
  • Even if your condition improves it is important to complete the prescribed course or it could come back.
  • The most common side effects are feeling sick, diarrhoea, dizziness and headache.

About nalidixic acid

Type of medicine Antibiotic
Used for Treatment of water infections such as cystitis.
Also called Uriben
Available as Suspension

Nalidixic acid is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections; it works by killing bacteria that cause the infection.

Before taking nalidixic acid

Before taking nalidixic acid make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from or have ever suffered from epilepsy or fits.
  • If you suffer from porphyria (a blood disorder).
  • If you have ever suffered from tendon or muscular problems.
  • If the patient is under 3 months of age.
  • If you suffer from glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.
  • If you suffer from liver disease.
  • If you suffer from renal problems.
  • If you suffer from diabetes (this medicine affects some types of urine glucose measurements).

How to take nalidixic acid

  • Take exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
  • You must complete the course, take at regular spaced intervals.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Important: If you experience pain or inflammation in your joints, particularly hips, knees or ankles stop taking nalidixic acid and rest the limb until the pain eases and contact your doctor the next working day.
  • Important: Oral contraceptives may be less effective while you are taking nalidixic acid. In addition to taking the contraceptive pill, use a barrier method of contraception (e.g. condoms) while you are taking nalidixic acid and for at least seven days after your course has finished. If these seven days run into a 'pill-free' week, start taking the next packet of contraceptives without leaving a break. If you are taking the type of contraceptive pill that is taken every day or if you need any further advice, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
  • Nalidixic acid may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight than usual. Avoid strong sunlight and sunbeds and use a suncream of at least factor 15 until you know how your skin reacts.

Can nalidixic acid cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects What can I do if I experience this
Nausea Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast.
Diarrhoea Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids. If diarrhoea continues to be a problem speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
Abdominal pain This may improve as your body gets used to the medicine. If it prevents you from taking it speak with your doctor.
Headache Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. If headache continues speak with your doctor.
Dizziness
Problems with vision		 Make sure you are not affected before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert or able to see properly.

Other side effects include itching, increased sensitivity to sunlight, muscle pain or weakness, problems sleeping, depression, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't real), confusion, disturbed sense of taste or smell, convulsions.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store nalidixic acid

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2007 DocID:
3295		 DocRef:
dils2225		 Last Updated:
25 Jun 2007		 Date of Next Review:
24 Jun 2009		 Version:
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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