A clinical trial with nalidixic acid in pediatric practice

ABSTRACT

Nalidixic acid, a new chemotherapeutic agent, has been shown to possess considerable in vitro activity against a variety of Gram-negative organisms. It has been used effectively in the treatment of urinary tract infections caused by Gram-negative organisms. This study was conducted to investigate the therapeutic effect of nalidixic acid on diarrheas and on urinary tract infections in children. A total of 51 cases of diarrhea were given nalidixic acid at a dosage of 25 mg. per pound of body weight. Of these, 82.5 per cent responded favorably to treatment. Ten patients with urinary tract infections, 8 of whom had been treated previously with antimicrobial agents without response were given nalidixic acid. All ten cases responsed favorably to nalidixic acid therapy. No side-effects were noted with the use of this chemotherapeutic agentNalidixic acid is an effective chemotherapeutic agent against infections caused by Gram-negative organisms particularly urinary tract infections and acute diarrheal disorders. (Summary and Conclusions)