Urex 150mg Tablet (Nalidixic Acid): Complete Medicine Guide
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Seizures or convulsions
- Severe diarrhoea with blood or mucus
- Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Severe headache with visual changes
- Swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Difficulty breathing or chest pain
- Decreased urine output or blood in urine
- Severe abdominal pain
- Confusion or hallucinations
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is urex 150mg tablet used for?
This medicine contains nalidixic acid, an older quinolone antibiotic used to treat uncomplicated urinary tract infections caused by susceptible Gram-negative bacteria. It works by inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase, stopping bacterial growth. It is taken orally, usually four times daily with food. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, headache, and dizziness. It is contraindicated in patients with seizures, G6PD deficiency, and infants under 3 months. Due to resistance and safety concerns, it is not a first-line treatment.
- Generic Name: Nalidixic Acid (150mg)
- Manufacturer: Zorex Pharma Pvt Ltd.
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 urex 150mg tablet के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा नालिडिक्सिक एसिड 150 मिलीग्राम टैबलेट है, जिसका उपयोग मूत्र मार्ग के संक्रमण (यूटीआई) के इलाज के लिए किया जाता है। यह एक एंटीबायोटिक है जो बैक्टीरिया के डीएनए को बनने से रोकता है, जिससे बैक्टीरिया मर जाते हैं। यह दवा मुख्य रूप से ई. कोली, प्रोटियस, क्लेबसिएला जैसे बैक्टीरिया से होने वाले साधारण मूत्र मार्ग संक्रमण के लिए दी जाती है। यह दवा मूत्र मार्ग के बाहर होने वाले संक्रमणों के लिए प्रभावी नहीं है। इसे डॉक्टर के परामर्श के बिना नहीं लेना चाहिए। गर्भवती महिलाओं, स्तनपान कराने वाली महिलाओं, मिर्गी रोगियों, और जी6पीडी की कमी वाले रोगियों को यह दवा नहीं लेनी चाहिए।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा के कुछ सामान्य दुष्प्रभाव हो सकते हैं जैसे मतली, उल्टी, पेट दर्द, दस्त, सिरदर्द, चक्कर आना और नींद आना। कुछ लोगों को त्वचा पर चकत्ते, खुजली या धूप से एलर्जी भी हो सकती है। दुर्लभ मामलों में दौरे पड़ सकते हैं, खासकर उन लोगों में जिन्हें पहले से मिर्गी है। रक्त की कमी (एनीमिया) भी हो सकती है। अगर आपको कोई भी असामान्य लक्षण दिखे तो तुरंत डॉक्टर से संपर्क करें।
सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को लेने से पहले अपने डॉक्टर को अपनी सभी स्वास्थ्य समस्याओं और दवाओं के बारे में बताएं। अगर आप गर्भवती हैं, स्तनपान करा रही हैं, या गर्भधारण की योजना बना रही हैं तो डॉक्टर से सलाह लें। यह दवा चक्कर और नींद ला सकती है, इसलिए वाहन चलाने या मशीन चलाने से बचें। धूप में जाने से बचें और सनस्क्रीन का उपयोग करें। दवा को भोजन के साथ और पानी के साथ लें। एंटासिड, आयरन या जिंक की गोलियों के साथ इस दवा को न लें। पूरा कोर्स पूरा करें, भले ही आप बेहतर महसूस करें।
💊 urex 150mg tablet Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Uncomplicated lower urinary tract infection","description":"This medicine is used to treat acute uncomplicated cystitis caused by susceptible Gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Enterobacter species.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Urinary tract infection prophylaxis","description":"In some settings, this medicine has been used to prevent recurrent urinary tract infections, although this is not a first-line approach and is limited by resistance and toxicity.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Shigellosis","description":"Nalidixic acid has been used off-label for the treatment of bacillary dysentery caused by susceptible Shigella species, but resistance is common and other agents are preferred.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Traveler's diarrhoea","description":"Occasionally used off-label for empirical treatment of traveler's diarrhoea, but fluoroquinolones are generally preferred when antibiotics are indicated.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Primary treatment for: Uncomplicated lower urinary tract infection
Also treats: Complicated urinary tract infection (only if susceptible and no better alternative), Shigellosis (off-label)
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Nalidixic Acid (150mg) |
| Brand Name | urex 150mg tablet |
| Manufacturer | Zorex Pharma Pvt Ltd. |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | GASTRO INTESTINAL |
| Action Class | Quinolones/ Fluroquinolones |
| Route of Administration | Oral |
| Storage | Store this medicine at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F) in a cool, dry place. Protect from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat. Keep the tablets in their original container with the lid tightly closed. Do not store in the bathroom or near the kitchen sink. Keep out of reach of children and pets. |
| Shelf Life | The shelf life of this medicine is typically 24 months from the date of manufacture, but please refer to the expiry date printed on the packaging. Do not use the medicine after the expiry date. |
| WHO Guideline | Not established from the available information. The World Health Organization does not currently list nalidixic acid in its essential medicines list for urinary tract infections, and fluoroquinolones or other agents are generally preferred. |
| ICMR Guideline | Not established from the available information. The Indian Council of Medical Research has not issued specific guidelines for nalidixic acid use in recent years, and its use is limited due to resistance and safety concerns. |
👨⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips
Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians
🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?
Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.
🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
This medicine exerts its antibacterial effect by inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase, also known as topoisomerase II. DNA gyrase is an enzyme that introduces negative supercoils into bacterial DNA, a process essential for DNA replication, transcription, and repair. By binding to the A subunit of DNA gyrase, this medicine blocks the enzyme's activity, leading to the accumulation of relaxed DNA and inhibition of bacterial cell division. This results in bacteriostatic action against susceptible Gram-negative bacteria, although at higher concentrations it may be bactericidal. The mechanism is specific to bacterial cells, as human cells do not contain DNA gyrase. However, cross-resistance with other quinolones can occur through mutations in the gyrA gene.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take urex 150mg tablet
Strength: This medicine is available as an immediate-release tablet containing 150 mg of nalidixic acid.
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The usual adult dose of this medicine is 500 mg to 1 gram orally four times daily for 7 to 14 days, depending on the severity of the infection and the clinical response. For uncomplicated urinary tract infections, a dose of 500 mg four times daily is commonly used. The dose may be reduced to 500 mg four times daily after the first few days of therapy. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function. Do not self-medicate or adjust the dose without medical advice. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician. This medicine is contraindicated in infants below 3 months of age. For older children, the dose is typically calculated based on body weight, but must be determined by a qualified pediatrician. |
| Elderly Dosage | Elderly patients may have reduced renal function, which can prolong the half-life of this medicine and increase the risk of side effects. Dose adjustment may be necessary based on renal function. Elderly patients should be monitored closely for neurological side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and confusion. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician. |
| Renal Impairment | In patients with renal impairment, the dose of this medicine may need to be reduced. For patients with a creatinine clearance between 30 and 60 mL/min, a dose reduction or increased dosing interval may be considered. This medicine is not recommended for patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min) unless the potential benefit outweighs the risk. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on renal function. |
| Hepatic Impairment | In patients with hepatic impairment, this medicine should be used with caution. The metabolism of this medicine may be reduced, leading to increased plasma levels and risk of toxicity. Dose adjustment may be necessary. Monitor liver function tests regularly. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The maximum recommended daily dose of this medicine is 4 grams (4000 mg) per day, divided into four doses. Do not exceed this dose without medical supervision. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of urex 150mg tablet
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Warfarin | Major | |
| Antacids (Al/Mg) | Major | |
| Sucralfate | Major | |
| Iron salts | Major | |
| Zinc supplements | Major | |
| Nitrofurantoin | Major | |
| Caffeine | Moderate | |
| Theophylline | Moderate | |
| Cimetidine | Moderate | |
| Probenecid | Moderate |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Warfarin
- Antacids containing aluminium or magnesium
- Sucralfate
- Iron salts
- Zinc supplements
- Nitrofurantoin
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- Caffeine
- Theophylline
- Cimetidine
- Probenecid
- Oral contraceptives
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Alcohol should be avoided while taking this medicine. Both alcohol and this medicine can cause dizziness, drowsiness, and central nervous system depression, and their combined use may increase the risk of these effects. Alcohol may also worsen gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and abdominal pain. Additionally, alcohol can increase the risk of seizures, which is a rare but serious side effect of this medicine.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Known hypersensitivity to nalidixic acid or other quinolone antibiotics","History of convulsive disorders, including epilepsy","Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency","Infants below 3 months of age","Severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min) without dose adjustment","Pregnancy and breastfeeding, unless clearly necessary","Concurrent use with nitrofurantoin"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["This medicine may cause convulsions, particularly in patients with a history of seizures or those taking certain interacting medicines. Use with caution in such patients.","Haemolytic anaemia may occur in patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. Avoid use in these patients.","Photosensitivity reactions can occur. Advise patients to avoid excessive sun exposure and use protective measures.","Pseudomembranous colitis has been reported with this medicine. Consider this diagnosis in patients who develop diarrhoea during or after treatment.","Visual disturbances, including diplopia and blurred vision, have been reported. Patients should avoid driving or operating machinery if affected.","This medicine should not be used for the treatment of gonorrhoea or syphilis, as it is not effective against these organisms.","Prolonged use may lead to the overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms, including fungi. Monitor patients for superinfections.","Patients should be advised to complete the full course of therapy even if symptoms improve, to prevent resistance."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
This medicine is excreted in breast milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the medicine, taking into account the importance of the medicine to the mother. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding while taking this medicine.
💊 Overdose Management
Overdose with this medicine may cause nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, and, in severe cases, convulsions and metabolic acidosis. There is no specific antidote. Treatment should be symptomatic and supportive. Gastric lavage may be considered if the overdose is recent and the patient is seen within 1-2 hours of ingestion. Maintain adequate hydration and monitor vital signs, neurological status, and electrolyte balance. Convulsions should be managed with appropriate anticonvulsant therapy. Contact a poison control centre or emergency department immediately if overdose is suspected.
⏰ Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are unsure what to do, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Additional Safety Advice
Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor if you have or have ever had seizures, kidney or liver problems, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, or any allergic reaction to quinolone antibiotics. Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding without consulting your doctor first. This medicine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or visual changes; avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you. Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight and use protective clothing and sunscreen, as this medicine can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Take this medicine with food and a full glass of water to reduce stomach upset. Do not take antacids, sucralfate, or iron or zinc supplements within two hours of taking this medicine, as they can reduce its absorption. Complete the full course of treatment even if you feel better after a few days. Do not share this medicine with others. Keep out of reach of children. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Elderly patients are more likely to have reduced renal function, which can prolong the half-life of this medicine and increase the risk of side effects. Dose adjustment may be necessary based on creatinine clearance. Elderly patients should be monitored closely for neurological side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and seizures. They may also be more susceptible to photosensitivity reactions and should take appropriate precautions.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
This medicine should be avoided during pregnancy and while trying to conceive. If you are planning pregnancy, consult your doctor to discuss alternative antibiotics that are safer for use during pregnancy. This medicine crosses the placenta and may pose risks to the developing fetus. Use effective contraception while taking this medicine.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
If you are scheduled for surgery, inform your surgeon and anaesthesiologist that you are taking this medicine. This medicine may interact with certain anaesthetic agents and can increase the risk of seizures. Your doctor may advise you to stop the medicine before surgery or to switch to an alternative antibiotic. Do not stop the medicine without consulting your doctor.
🦷 Dental Procedures
Inform your dentist that you are taking this medicine before any dental procedure. This medicine may interact with certain antibiotics or anaesthetics used in dentistry. Additionally, if you have a dental infection, this medicine is not effective against most oral bacteria, and your dentist may prescribe a different antibiotic.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
While taking this medicine, you may experience dizziness, drowsiness, or visual disturbances. Avoid strenuous exercise or activities that require mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. If you experience any neurological symptoms, stop exercising and consult your doctor.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, and visual disturbances, which can affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. If your work involves mental alertness or coordination, inform your employer or take necessary precautions. The need to take the medicine four times daily may require scheduling doses during work hours; plan accordingly.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor. You should complete the full course as prescribed, even if you feel better. If you experience serious side effects such as seizures, severe diarrhoea, or signs of an allergic reaction, stop the medicine and seek immediate medical attention. Your doctor may advise you to stop if your kidney or liver function worsens or if the infection is not responding to treatment.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of this medicine is not recommended due to the risk of bacterial resistance, potential for cumulative toxicity, and the availability of safer alternatives. Prolonged use may increase the risk of neurological side effects, blood dyscrasias, and superinfections. Regular monitoring of renal and hepatic function is advised if prolonged therapy is necessary. This medicine should generally be used for short courses only, as determined by a qualified clinician.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
Drinking plenty of water helps flush bacteria from the urinary tract and can help prevent infections.
Evidence: Well-establishedCranberry juice or supplements may help prevent urinary tract infections by preventing bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall.
Evidence: ModerateProbiotics, particularly Lactobacillus species, may help restore healthy vaginal and gut flora and reduce the risk of recurrent urinary tract infections.
Evidence: LimitedNitrofurantoin, fosfomycin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and fluoroquinolones are alternative antibiotics for urinary tract infections, often with better efficacy and safety profiles.
Evidence: Well-established💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
Not established from the available information. There are no known interactions between this medicine and vaccines. However, if you are acutely ill with a fever, it is generally advisable to postpone vaccination until you have recovered.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store at room temperature (15-30°C)
❌ DON'T
Do not refrigerate unless specified
✅ DO
Keep in original container
❌ DON'T
Do not transfer to unmarked containers
✅ DO
Keep away from direct sunlight
❌ DON'T
Do not store in bathroom cabinet
✅ DO
Keep out of reach of children
❌ DON'T
Do not use after expiry date
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
When travelling with this medicine, carry it in its original packaging with the prescription label clearly visible. Bring a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor, especially if travelling internationally, as this medicine is a prescription-only antibiotic. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If crossing time zones, continue taking the medicine at evenly spaced intervals as prescribed; you may need to adjust the timing gradually. Do not pack it in checked luggage; keep it in your carry-on bag. Check the customs regulations of your destination country regarding prescription medicines.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: This medicine usually starts to relieve symptoms of urinary tract infection within 24 to 48 hours. However, you must complete the full course as prescribed, even if you feel better, to ensure the infection is fully cleared.
A: Yes, it is recommended to take this medicine with food or milk to reduce the risk of nausea and stomach upset.
A: Avoid alcohol, excessive sun exposure, and taking antacids, sucralfate, iron, or zinc supplements within 2 hours of this medicine. Also avoid driving or operating machinery if you feel dizzy or drowsy.
A: This medicine is contraindicated in infants below 3 months of age. For older children, consult a pediatrician for appropriate dosing.
A: No, you must complete the full course as prescribed. Stopping early can lead to recurrence of infection and antibiotic resistance.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: Nalidixic acid is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic.
Fact: Nalidixic acid is a first-generation quinolone, structurally related to but distinct from fluoroquinolones. It has a narrower spectrum of activity and different properties. - Myth: Nalidixic acid can be used for any type of infection.
Fact: Nalidixic acid is only effective against certain Gram-negative bacteria and is primarily used for uncomplicated urinary tract infections. It is not effective against Pseudomonas, Gram-positive bacteria, or infections outside the urinary tract. - Myth: You can stop taking nalidixic acid as soon as you feel better.
Fact: You must complete the full course of treatment as prescribed, even if symptoms improve, to prevent the infection from returning and to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance. - Myth: Nalidixic acid is safe to take during pregnancy.
Fact: Nalidixic acid crosses the placenta and should be avoided during pregnancy unless the potential benefit justifies the potential risk. Consult your doctor for safer alternatives. - Myth: Nalidixic acid is a first-line treatment for urinary tract infections.
Fact: Due to widespread bacterial resistance and the availability of safer and more effective antibiotics, nalidixic acid is no longer considered a first-line treatment for urinary tract infections.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Nalidixic Acid 150 mg Tablet
- Nalidixic Acid 500 mg Tablet
Brand Alternatives
- Urex 150mg Tablet
- Negram
- Wintomylon