Metabolic acidosis and benign intracranial hypertension in infants: an adverse drug reaction

Abstract

Nalidixic acid is a 4-quinolone antimicrobial agent used in the treatment of uncomplicated lower urinary tract infection and shigellosis. The recommended dose for a child is 50-55 mg/kg body weight daily in 4 divided doses. The drug is rapidly and almost completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and the plasma half-life is about 2.5 hours. Nalidixic acid and its metabolites are excreted rapidly in the urine. This drug should ideally be avoided in children younger than three months of age.