Nalidixic acid kinetics in renal insufficiency.

1 A pharmacokinetic study of nalidixic acid (NA) and metabolites was carried out in 23 patients with differing renal function so as to determine the influence of renal insufficiency on the excretion and biotransformation rate of this antibacterial agent. Plasma and urine concentration of NA and of its 7-hydroxy (HNA) and 7-carboxy (CNA) derivatives were measured after a single oral administration. 2 Renal insufficiency did not markedly affect the renal clearance of NA while it significantly decreased the elimination rate of HNA, a compound which largely excreted into the urine. 3 Interestingly, CNA which could never be detected in the plasma of patients with normal renal function appeared in that of patients with renal insufficiency. Plasma concentrations of CNA and creatinine were positively related, and the amount of urinary CNA increased with the renal impairment. 4 These results suggest that HNA can still be biotransformed into CNA by the impaired kidney. Since CNA cannot be easily excreted in the urine of patients with renal insufficiency it is hypothesized that this compound back diffuses into the plasma. 5 Finally, the study of the urinary concentrations of NA and metabolites shows that a standard NA dosage can be used, at least in patients with mild renal insufficiency.