Oxolinic acid is an antibiotic medication used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. It is most commonly used to treat respiratory tract and urinary tract infections in humans. It is also used to treat certain types of eye infections and skin infections. Oxolinic acid is effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, and it can also be used to treat some protozoan infections. It is available in both oral and topical formulations and is generally considered to be safe and well tolerated.
Oxolinic acid is a quinolone antibiotic that was developed in Japan in the 1970s. It was once used to treat urinary tract infections, but it is no longer commonly prescribed due to the emergence of resistant bacteria. It is still used in some countries, primarily for aquaculture.
Oxolinic acid works by inhibiting the enzyme DNA gyrase, which is essential for bacteria to replicate their DNA. In addition to its antibiotic effects, oxolinic acid also acts as a dopamine reuptake inhibitor, which means that it increases the levels of dopamine in the brain. This can produce stimulant effects.
Here are some additional details about oxolinic acid:
- Dosage: 12–20 mg/kg orally administered for five to ten days
- Mechanism of action: Inhibits the enzyme DNA gyrase
- Side effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness
- Warnings: Not recommended for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women, or in children under 12 years of age