nalidixic acid

Nalidixic acid is a synthetic quinolone antibiotic, first discovered in the early 1960s by George Y. Lesher and colleagues at the Sterling-Winthrop Research Institute. It is primarily used for the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by susceptible gram-negative microorganisms, including species such as Escherichia coli, Shigella, and Proteus. The drug operates by inhibiting bacterial DNA synthesis, specifically targeting bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, which are essential enzymes for DNA replication and supercoiling, ultimately leading to bacterial cell death. Nalidixic acid is considered the first of the quinolone antibiotics and precedes the development of fluoroquinolones.

Brand names

NegGramWintomylonUribenNevigramon

Other names

NalidixateNalidixinInnoxalonNalidixanNalitucsanSicmylonUnaserusNalidic Acid