Basic Profile / Key Facts
Drug Category
Dosage Forms
Indications
Used, in addition to antibiotics or medical procedures, to treat chronic urea-splitting urinary infections.
Pharmacology
Acetohydroxamic Acid, a synthetic drug derived from hydroxylamine and ethyl acetate, is similar in structure to urea. In the urine, it acts as an antagonist of the bacterial enzyme urease. Acetohydroxamic Acid has no direct antimicrobial action and does not acidify urine directly.
Mechanism of Action
Acetohydroxamic Acid reversibly inhibits the bacterial enzyme urease. This inhibits the hydrolysis of urea and production of ammonia in urine infected with urea-splitting organisms, leading to a decrease in pH and ammonia levels. As antimicrobial agents are more effective in such conditions, the effectiveness of these agents is amplified, resulting in a higher cure rate.
Absorption
Well absorbed from the GI tract following oral administration.
Toxicity
Oral, rat: LD50 = 4.8gm/kg. Symptoms of overdose include anorexia, malaise, lethargy, diminished sense of wellbeing, tremor, anxiety, nausea, and vomiting.
Biotrnasformation / Drug Metabolism
35-65% of oral dose excreted unchanged in urine (which provides the drug's therapeutic effect).
Contraindications
Should not be used in patients with urinary infections resulting from non-urease producing organims, in patients with poor renal function, in patients who are pregnant, and female patients who are not taking some form of effective birth control.
Drug Interactions
Concomitant use with iron supplements may result in the reduced absorption of iron.
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