Acetohydroxamic Acid
Urinary Tract Infections
Drug Status
Government Approvals
US(FDA)
WHO Essential Medicine
NO
Known Teratogen
Definite
Pharmaceutical Class
Urease Inhibitor
Controlled Drug Substance
NO

Acetohydroxamic Acid
Summary
Acetohydroxamic Acid is used as an additional treatment for chronic urinary infections that split urea. It's particularly helpful when other treatments are ineffective and the infection is accompanied by struvite stone disease.
This medicine works by inhibiting a bacterial enzyme called urease. This reduces the production of ammonia and the pH of urine, which enhances the effectiveness of antibiotics.
Acetohydroxamic Acid is taken orally, usually 3-4 times a day. The typical daily dose for adults is 10-15 mg/kg, divided into 3-4 doses. For children, an initial dose of 10 mg/kg is recommended, divided into two or three doses.
Common side effects include mild headaches, nausea, vomiting, and anemia. If you experience severe or persistent symptoms, you should contact your healthcare provider.
Acetohydroxamic Acid should not be used by pregnant women due to potential harm to the fetus. It's also contraindicated for patients with poor kidney function or non-urease producing infections. Alcohol should be avoided while taking this medication.
Indications and Purpose
How does Acetohydroxamic Acid work?
Acetohydroxamic Acid works by inhibiting the bacterial enzyme urease, which prevents the hydrolysis of urea and reduces ammonia production in urine. This lowers urinary pH, enhancing the effectiveness of antibiotics and helping to control urea-splitting infections.
How does one know if Acetohydroxamic Acid is working?
The benefit of Acetohydroxamic Acid is evaluated by monitoring the reduction in urinary ammonia levels and pH, as well as the effectiveness of concurrent antibiotic treatment. Regular blood tests, including complete blood count and reticulocyte count, are recommended to monitor for side effects and ensure the medication is working effectively.
Is Acetohydroxamic Acid effective?
Acetohydroxamic Acid has been clinically evaluated in patients with urea-splitting urinary infections, often with struvite stone disease. It reduces elevated urinary ammonia and pH levels, enhancing the effectiveness of antibiotics and increasing the cure rate of infections. However, its effectiveness is best when used as adjunctive therapy, not as a standalone treatment.
What is Acetohydroxamic Acid?
Acetohydroxamic Acid is used as adjunctive therapy for chronic urea-splitting urinary infections. It works by inhibiting the bacterial enzyme urease, reducing ammonia production and urinary pH, which enhances the effectiveness of antibiotics. This helps control infections and may slow the growth of kidney stones.
What is Acetohydroxamic Acid used for?
Acetohydroxamic Acid is indicated for chronic urea-splitting urinary infections, often associated with struvite stone disease. It is used as adjunctive therapy to reduce urinary ammonia and alkalinity, enhancing the effectiveness of antibiotics and helping manage these infections.
Directions for Use
For how long do I take Acetohydroxamic Acid?
The typical duration of use for Acetohydroxamic Acid is not specified beyond 7 years of experience. Long-term treatment may be necessary to maintain urease inhibition as long as the urea-splitting infection is present. Always follow your doctor's guidance on the duration of treatment.
How do I take Acetohydroxamic Acid?
Acetohydroxamic Acid should be taken on an empty stomach, typically at 6-8 hour intervals. Avoid taking it with iron supplements, as they can interfere with absorption. It's also advisable to avoid alcohol, as it can cause a flushing reaction.
How long does it take for Acetohydroxamic Acid to start working?
Acetohydroxamic Acid is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, with peak blood levels occurring 0.25 to 1 hour after dosing. However, the time it takes to notice therapeutic effects can vary based on individual response and the severity of the infection.
How should I store Acetohydroxamic Acid?
Acetohydroxamic Acid should be stored in a dry place at room temperature, between 15° - 30°C (59° - 86°F). Ensure the container is closed tightly to maintain the medication's effectiveness.
What is the usual dose of Acetohydroxamic Acid?
For adults, the usual daily dose of Acetohydroxamic Acid is 10-15 mg/kg/day, divided into 3-4 doses. The starting dose is typically 12 mg/kg/day. For children, an initial dose of 10 mg/kg/day is recommended, divided into two or three doses. It's important to follow the doctor's instructions and adjust the dose based on individual needs and response.
Warnings and Precautions
Can Acetohydroxamic Acid be taken safely while breastfeeding?
It is not known whether Acetohydroxamic Acid is excreted in human milk. Due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, a decision should be made to either discontinue nursing or the drug, considering the importance of the medication to the mother's health.
Can Acetohydroxamic Acid be taken safely while pregnant?
Acetohydroxamic Acid is contraindicated during pregnancy as it may cause fetal harm. Animal studies have shown teratogenic effects, such as birth defects, at high doses. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not use this medication. If a woman becomes pregnant while taking it, she should be informed of the potential risks to the fetus.
Can I take Acetohydroxamic Acid with other prescription drugs?
Acetohydroxamic Acid can interact with iron supplements, reducing the absorption of both the drug and iron. If iron supplementation is needed, intramuscular iron is recommended. No significant interactions with insulin, antibiotics, or progestational agents have been noted, but caution is advised when using other medications.
Can I take Acetohydroxamic Acid with vitamins or supplements?
Acetohydroxamic Acid interacts with iron supplements, reducing the absorption of both the drug and iron. If iron supplementation is necessary, intramuscular iron is recommended to avoid this interaction. Always consult your doctor before taking any new vitamins or supplements.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Acetohydroxamic Acid?
Drinking alcohol while taking Acetohydroxamic Acid can cause a flushing skin reaction, characterized by redness, warmth, and tingling. This reaction usually appears 30-45 minutes after consuming alcohol and disappears within 30-60 minutes. To avoid this reaction, it's recommended to abstain from alcohol while on this medication.
Who should avoid taking Acetohydroxamic Acid?
Acetohydroxamic Acid should not be used in pregnant women, those with poor renal function, or those whose infections can be controlled by other means. It may cause fetal harm and is contraindicated in women who may become pregnant. It can also cause hemolytic anemia and should be used with caution in patients with preexisting conditions.