Nevigramon

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Nevigramon

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Method of action: Bactericidal, Bacteriostatic

Treatment option: Cholecystitis

Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Nevigramon

This overview defines Nevigramon, focusing on its composition, classification, and general function as an anti-infective agent.

Property Description
Active ingredient Nalidixic Acid
Form Oral Tablets, Oral Suspension
Pharmacological class Quinolone Antibiotic
Common use Anti-infective / Antibacterial (Prescription status)
Origin Synthetic (1,8-naphthyridine derivative)

What Type of Medicine is Nevigramon?

Nevigramon is a synthetic antibacterial agent whose active component is the prescription-only compound, Nalidixic Acid. It is classified as a quinolone antibiotic and is categorized as an "Anti-Infective Agent." This medicine is typically positioned for the treatment of specific bacterial issues where the pathogen is known to be susceptible to this agent.

The compound is chemically identified as a 1,8-naphthyridine derivative, placing it within the first-generation of quinolone drugs. Its pharmacological profile is characterized by focused systemic distribution, making high concentrations of the agent available to combat infections in the urinary system.


Active Ingredient and Available Forms

The therapeutic efficacy of the medication relies on Nalidixic Acid (INN), which makes Nevigramon a single-ingredient product administered through the oral route. Nalidixic Acid is clinically recognized for its effectiveness in inhibiting bacterial growth. This indicates that the medicine has a defined mechanism for stopping the propagation of infection.

Nevigramon is available as Oral Tablets (a solid form) and as an Oral Suspension (a liquid form). The availability of the oral suspension is a significant characteristic, accommodating patients who may have difficulty swallowing tablets, such as certain pediatric groups. The medication requires a prescription (Rx status) due to its antibiotic nature.


General Purpose and Mechanism of Action

The general purpose of Nevigramon is to resolve infections caused by susceptible bacteria by acting as a bactericidal agent; this means it actively kills the targeted bacteria directly. It achieves this by selectively entering the bacterial cells and interfering with crucial genetic processes. The mechanism involves blocking bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, essential enzymes required by the pathogen to copy and maintain its structure. By disrupting these mechanisms, the medicine effectively halts the bacteria’s ability to reproduce and spread, thereby controlling the infection.

What side effects are possible with Nevigramon?

Possible side effects and safety information

The safety profile for Nalidixic Acid (Nevigramon) is classified by regulatory authorities based on the frequency and nature of documented adverse reactions, which primarily affect the gastrointestinal and nervous systems.

Frequency and System-Organ Classes

The official labeling organizes adverse effects according to the body system affected (System-Organ Class) and the rate of occurrence, which is based on clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance data. Common reactions documented include gastrointestinal issues such as nausea and vomiting, as well as neurological effects like headache, dizziness, and weakness. Uncommon effects include visual disturbances and abdominal pain, while the potentially severe reaction of photosensitivity is documented as Rare.

Serious Adverse Reactions and Population Risk

Specific serious adverse reactions are formally listed in official prescribing information. These include significant Central Nervous System (CNS) events such as convulsions (seizures), toxic psychosis, and intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri), which has been predominantly reported in infants and young children. The risk of convulsions is noted to be higher in patients with pre-existing CNS pathology. Furthermore, patients with Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency are subject to a safety consideration regarding the risk of hemolytic anemia.

Time-Related Patterns and Constraints

The official safety information outlines specific patterns, such as the note that visual disturbances are generally reversible upon discontinuation of the medicine. The risk of a photosensitivity reaction may persist for up to three months after therapy cessation. Regulatory caution is also advised for use in patients with severe hepatic or renal disease due to the potential for drug accumulation.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

Overdose with Nevigramon (Nalidixic Acid) is officially documented in regulatory information as necessitating immediate medical attention. The initial clinical presentation of acute overexposure may include gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and nausea, alongside early Central Nervous System (CNS) effects like lethargy and transient visual disturbances, which can include visual color changes.


Severe Manifestations and Emergency Action

High-dose exposure is associated with several severe neurological and systemic outcomes. These serious manifestations include convulsions (seizures), toxic psychosis, and evidence of increased intracranial pressure. A critical systemic complication documented in official labeling is metabolic acidosis.

When overdose is suspected or these severe manifestations occur, it is mandatory to seek immediate medical attention. Management of acute toxicity is defined as symptomatic and supportive, as no specific antidote is known. The supportive measures described in regulatory documents include gastric lavage and the administration of activated charcoal, along with specific procedures for the control of convulsive crises and the correction of acid-base imbalance. The official prescribing information notes that the medication is contraindicated in infants less than three months of age, highlighting a significant population-specific risk of toxicity. Regulatory guidance emphasizes treating the patient's documented manifestations and correcting physiological derangement.

Therapeutic Uses of Nevigramon

What Nevigramon Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Nevigramon, which contains the active substance nalidixic acid, is an antimicrobial agent primarily used for managing urinary tract infections (UTIs). Its core application is the treatment of UTIs caused by susceptible gram-negative microorganisms. This includes addressing infections caused by organisms such as E. coli, Enterobacter species, and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

In clinical scenarios involving acute or disruptive symptom patterns, the medication is applied to address the underlying bacterial activity. In situations where patients experience bacterial activity associated with the infection, the medication may assist with easing symptoms related to physical discomfort and systemic imbalance, which often intensify during a UTI. Consequently, the use of nalidixic acid contributes to improved comfort and supports general well-being during these symptomatic phases.

“This application supports the patient during difficult episodes by easing distress and may help patients cope more steadily with symptom fluctuations.”

Quick Fact: Relief for Symptom Clusters that Become Disruptive

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

The eligibility for using Nalidixic Acid (Nevigramon) is governed by strict population rules defined in official regulatory documents.

Populations for Whom Use is Contraindicated

Nalidixic Acid is contraindicated and must not be used in the following groups, as per official labeling:

  • Infants less than three months of age.
  • Patients with a history of convulsive disorders (seizures) or Porphyria.
  • Individuals with known hypersensitivity to nalidixic acid or chemically related quinolone compounds.
  • Patients receiving concomitant therapy with melphalan or other related cancer chemotherapeutic alkylating agents.

Age-Related and Conditional Eligibility

Population Group Official Regulatory Status
Pediatric Patients Use is established for children aged three months and older.
Older Adults Use requires caution due to a greater likelihood of reduced kidney function and a heightened risk of tendon effects when receiving concurrent corticosteroids.
Pregnancy Assigned FDA Category C status, meaning use is only recommended when the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk.
Lactation Contraindicated by the manufacturer, as the substance is excreted into human milk.

Use requires caution in patients with liver disease, renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance of 20 mL/min or less may require adjustment), or underlying Central Nervous System (CNS) disorders. Caution is also advised for patients with G6PD deficiency and those exposed to excessive sunlight, as phototoxicity is a reported restriction.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Official regulatory documents classify documented interactions for Nevigramon (Nalidixic Acid) based on clinically significant risk and resulting administration constraints.

Formal Interaction Constraints

Co-administration with Melphalan or similar alkylating agents is officially documented as contraindicated due to the risk of severe gastrointestinal toxicity, including intestinal necrosis.

Interacting Substance/Class Official Interaction Outcome
Oral Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin) Enhanced anticoagulant effect, posing a risk of hemorrhage; requires regulatory caution and monitoring.
Probenecid Blocks renal tubular secretion, reducing the concentration of Nalidixic Acid in the urine and increasing its systemic half-life.
Antacids (containing cations) Reduced absorption of Nevigramon, resulting in lower plasma exposure and potential loss of efficacy.
Corticosteroids Increased risk of tendon effects, noted to be elevated in elderly patients.

Timing and Separation Rules

Products containing multivalent cations, such as antacids and certain multivitamin/mineral supplements, interfere with the drug's absorption. Regulatory information requires that these substances be administered at a separated time (e.g., 2 hours before or 2 hours after) the dose of Nalidixic Acid to ensure adequate systemic levels are achieved. Nevigramon has also been reported to increase the systemic effects of Caffeine.

Mechanism of Action

The action of Nevigramon (Nalidixic Acid) is governed by the inhibition of essential bacterial genetic mechanisms. The pharmacological action is primarily mediated by its active metabolite, hydroxynalidixic acid, which reaches high concentrations in the urine. Nevigramon functions as a selective inhibitor by binding to the A subunit of Bacterial DNA Gyrase and Topoisomerase IV. These are critical enzymes responsible for managing the structure and tension of the bacterial DNA helix during replication. By blocking the enzymes' essential nicking-closing activity, the drug prevents the bacteria from relieving superhelical strain in its genetic material. The inhibition of DNA Gyrase and Topoisomerase IV leads to the accumulation of irreversible cleavage complexes (DNA breaks) within the bacterial cell. This catastrophic damage immediately arrests bacterial DNA replication and transcription, initiating a bactericidal cascade. The resulting physiological consequence is the rapid, selective death of the susceptible Gram-negative microbial population.

Dosage and Administration Information

Administration Guidelines: Route, Dose, and Schedule

Nevigramon (Nalidixic Acid) is an antibacterial agent exclusively administered by the oral route. It is available as Oral Tablets (e.g., 500 mg and 1 g strengths) and as an Oral Suspension (250 mg per 5 mL) to facilitate appropriate dosing across patient groups.

Standard Dosing and Frequency

The standard adult regimen for initial therapy is 1 g per dose, administered four times daily in equally divided doses. This frequency aims to maintain therapeutic concentrations. For prolonged courses, the total daily dosage is commonly reduced to 2 g (e.g., 500 mg four times daily) following the initial treatment period.

Administration Conditions and Adjustments

Administration is not strictly dependent on meals; the medicine can be taken with or without food. However, to ensure proper absorption, standard instructions specify that the dose must be separated by at least two hours from the intake of antacids containing aluminum, magnesium, or calcium, as well as iron or zinc supplements.

Use in children is limited to those over three months of age. The pediatric dose is weight-based: initial therapy is 55 mg/kg per day, divided into four doses. Furthermore, dose reduction is required for adults with compromised renal function (CrCl le 20 mL/min), where the standard dose should be halved.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence: Overview of Studies for Nevigramon (Nalidixic Acid)

This section provides a factual, neutral overview of the clinical research conducted for Nevigramon. The evidence described below outlines the types of research and study structures used to explore the medicine's use for specific bacterial infections.


Evidence for Use in Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Research explored the management of acute UTIs caused by certain susceptible gram-negative bacteria. The research conducted for this indication includes Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and comparative studies where Nalidixic Acid was evaluated against other agents. These studies were applied in research contexts involving conditions associated with acute or disruptive episodes, where symptoms may vary in intensity.


Outcomes Measured and Follow-up Patterns

Studies explored outcomes along two main axes: bacteriological outcomes and clinical outcomes. Research examined outcomes related to bacteriological clearance and observed patterns related to microbial susceptibility. Studies also focused on patient-reported outcomes describing perceived discomfort and how acute UTI symptoms evolved in the observed populations.

Clinical research was used in research exploring short-term symptom changes relevant to the acute phase. Studies monitored patient status immediately after treatment (short-term) and included intermediate follow-up durations (e.g., up to six weeks) relevant for assessing infection recurrence. Long-term effects are not fully established, and limited information exists for outcomes related to durability beyond these follow-up periods.


Studies on Specific Patient Groups and Research Gaps

Nalidixic Acid research primarily covers adult populations, including certain trials focusing specifically on adult women with acute UTIs. Subgroup findings are uncertain for many specialized populations, and data for groups like pediatric patients and individuals with complex co-existing conditions remain insufficient.

Research highlights what is still uncertain about the use of Nalidixic Acid. Data show patterns related to the development of microbial resistance, and the literature notes that some bacterial strains may develop resistance during the course of treatment, a factor that research examined. Evidence quality varies across studies, and certainty remains low for outcomes beyond the acute treatment phase. Comparative evidence is lacking for Nalidixic Acid when measured against many newer, broad-spectrum antibiotics.

How should Nevigramon be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Nevigramon (Nalidixic Acid)

Nevigramon must be stored strictly according to regulatory standards to maintain its quality and stability.

Storage Requirements

Condition Requirement
Temperature Store at controlled room temperature, typically 15 C to 30 C (59 F to 86 F).
Protection Keep the container tightly closed, protected from light, and stored in a dry place.
Handling The Oral Suspension formulation must not be frozen.
Child Safety Store the medication out of the sight and reach of children.

Disposal Instructions

Disposal of unused or expired Nevigramon should be done through an authorized drug take-back program. If a take-back program is not available, the product can be mixed with an undesirable substance (e.g., used coffee grounds) and placed in a sealed container for household trash. The medication must not be flushed down the toilet or poured into any drain.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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