indication

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.

toxicity

Oral, rat: LD₅₀ = 4.8gm/kg. Symptoms of overdose include anorexia, malaise, lethargy, diminished sense of wellbeing, tremor, anxiety, nausea, and vomiting.

biotransformation

35-65% of oral dose excreted unchanged in urine (which provides the drug's therapeutic effect).

absorption

Well absorbed from the GI tract following oral administration.

half life

5-10 hours in patients with normal renal function