A Critical Evaluation of Nalidixic Acid in Urinary-Tract Infections

Abstract

NALIDIXIC acid, one of a series of 1, 8-naphthyridine derivatives, was first synthesized by Lesher et al.¹ and introduced into general clinical use in 1964. It is absorbed after oral administration and is excreted by the kidney, resulting in antibacterial levels in the urine well in excess of the minimal inhibitory concentration of most urinary-tract pathogens.^{2 , 3} The results of preliminary observations demonstrated that the antimicrobial was well tolerated and was effective in eradicating susceptible micro-organisms in the urine.^{4 5 6 7 8} Although serum levels were variable and occasionally immeasurable^{3 , 8} one study, at least, indicated that nalidixic acid was highly concentrated in renal tissue. . . .