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Nitroxoline for cystitis in women and men

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Cystitis is a serious disease of the urinary system. It is worth noting that the pathology is accompanied by severe pain, an inflammatory process that affects the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. A progressive infection develops. Urination becomes difficult, pain appears, which intensifies during urination. Mandatory treatment is required. One of the most effective remedies for cystitis is nitroxoline, which is the drug of choice No. 1.

Does nitroxoline help with cystitis?

Nitroxoline is an international nonproprietary name of a medicinal product. That is, it is a pure active substance that can be used by various manufacturers and included in many medicinal products. The manufacturer then gives the product a commercial name and registers it.

To answer the question of whether nitroxoline helps with cystitis, we need to consider its mechanism of action. The active substance has antibacterial properties. Cystitis is a disease of bacterial origin. Accordingly, nitroxoline is effective for cystitis. It has an effect on various microorganisms (both gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms), as well as fungal microflora. It is worth noting separately that the drug also has a nephrolitholytic effect, that is, it ensures the resorption and removal of stones, salts and sand from the kidneys.

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Indications Nitroxoline

Nitroxoline is a virtually universal drug used for cystitis in both men and women. The drug effectively relieves pain, eliminates inflammation, and prevents the development of an infectious process. Against the background of the use of nitroxoline, the risk of developing diseases of internal organs, gynecological and urological pathologies is significantly reduced. A characteristic feature is the ability to eliminate congestion, which often accompanies diseases of the kidneys and urinary organs. Prevents damage to the mucous membranes. Often used in gynecology and urology, which is an important condition for a full sexual life and reproductive health.

There are quite a few indications for the use of nitroxoline. One of the main indications is cystitis. The disease is an inflammatory process of the genitourinary tract. It is accompanied by an infectious process. Other organs (bladder, urinary system) are also involved in the pathological process.

Nitroxoline is prescribed in its pure form as an independent active substance. Various analogous drugs containing nitroxoline are also prescribed. The drug is prescribed not only as monotherapy, but also included in complex therapy, since by itself it does not always have the desired effect. Indications for use include such diagnoses as: nephritis, pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, cystitis, as well as inflammatory processes of the reproductive system (gout, urethritis, impotence and sexual weakness, infertility, inflammation in the pelvic area, gynecological diseases).

Prescribed for inflammatory, bacterial, congestive processes, as well as for the formation of stones, sand and salts. Prescribed for urolithiasis, severe urinary syndrome, dysuria, crystalluria.

Nitroxoline for acute and chronic cystitis

Nitroxoline is one of the main drugs used to treat cystitis. It is prescribed for both acute and chronic cystitis. Many urologists and nephrologists prefer this drug because it quickly and effectively relieves inflammation and stops infection. One of the main criteria for choosing this drug is that it is relatively safe. This drug has minimal side effects. It is also worth noting that nitroxoline dissolves kidney stones and removes salts and sand.

Nitroxoline for cystitis with blood

Cystitis with blood is a serious condition that requires mandatory administration of nitroxoline. In case of cystitis, it is important to eliminate the inflammatory and infectious process. This can be achieved by using nitroxoline. Firstly, the drug has antibacterial properties. Secondly, the drug normalizes the microflora. A positive effect can be achieved with long-term treatment. The drug is often included in complex therapy. It affects not only the kidneys, but also the urinary tract, ureters, and partially the reproductive system. It is used not only for therapeutic purposes, but also as a preventive measure.

Nitroxoline for the prevention of cystitis

Since nitroxoline has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, it is advisable to prescribe it for the prevention of not only cystitis, but also many other inflammatory and infectious diseases of the urinary system and kidneys. In addition, the drug also has a nephrolitholytic effect (ensures the resorption and removal of stones and sand from the kidneys).

The drug has a stimulating effect (increases immunity, overall endurance, body resistance, normalizes microflora). Achieving normal quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the microbiocenosis ensures colonization resistance of the mucous membranes of the urogenital tract, kidneys. Normalizes metabolic processes in the kidneys, optimizes nutrition of the kidneys themselves. This normalizes their function, is a means of preventing urolithiasis and crystalluria.

Release form

The only form of the drug is tablets. They are biconvex, coated, and the color can vary from light yellow to dark orange. If you cut the tablet, three layers will be clearly visible.

Nitroxoline is available in tablet form. The dosage is 50 mg. Nitroxoline is the main active ingredient. Depending on the manufacturer, there may be pure forms of this drug, or there may be drugs with admixtures of auxiliary substances. In fact, they do not have any effect. In some cases, they may slightly increase the activity of the drug. The package may contain a different number of tablets. The minimum number of tablets is 10 pieces, the maximum is 100 pieces. You can also buy a package of 25, 30, 40 and 50 pieces.

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Pharmacodynamics

When analyzing the pharmacodynamics of nitroxoline, it can be noted that the drug belongs to the group of quinolones and has antimicrobial activity. But it is not an antibiotic. The mechanism of action is that it reduces the ability of bacteria to reproduce, prevents the progression of the infectious and inflammatory process. They also have the ability to penetrate into the cell of the microorganism and disrupt DNA replication there, which prevents both further reproduction of the bacterium and leads to the death of the microbial cell. A characteristic feature is that the substance has the ability to selectively bind to the cells of the microorganism, without having any negative effect on the human body. The drug is active against many microorganisms, including, has an effect against trichomonads, fungi, mycobacteria, gonococci. Normalizes microflora. A characteristic feature is that the drug is quickly absorbed into the blood and transported to the kidneys and urinary organs, where the main effect occurs. It is excreted in the urine in a virtually unchanged form.

Pharmacokinetics

When analyzing pharmacokinetics, it should be noted that the drug mainly enters the body through the digestive system. The main absorption occurs in the small intestine (through the walls and mucous membranes). It penetrates directly into the blood. It acts very quickly: the maximum amount of the drug in the blood is observed after 2-3 hours. The first portion enters approximately 30-40 minutes after administration. The drug is transported with the blood to the urinary system and kidneys. After the active substance has reached the target organ, where the main focus of inflammation is located, a reaction occurs aimed at relieving the inflammatory process and preventing further progression of the infection. It is there that the main metabolic pathway occurs, the substance is processed and broken down.

It is excreted from the body with urine. This has a positive effect on treatment, since the drug penetrates precisely into the inflammation site. But in case of kidney pathology of non-infectious genesis, this can also have negative consequences. The accumulation of the drug in the renal tissue creates an additional load on the kidneys. These features of pharmacokinetics should be taken into account by patients suffering from kidney diseases, as well as renal failure. The rate of elimination of the drug and its active components is determined by the rate of glomerular filtration and is on average 10-12 hours.

How quickly nitroxoline will help also depends on many factors. Usually, 7-10 days are required for complete recovery. The first signs of improvement in the condition appear already on the 2-3 day after taking the drug. It is worth noting that the features of pharmacokinetics are largely determined by the dosage.

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Dosing and administration

The drug is usually prescribed orally. The tablets must be swallowed whole. They must not be chewed or crushed. This is due to the fact that they are coated with a shell that protects them from neutralization by gastric juice. They penetrate the intestines, and only there do they dissolve, after which they are absorbed. The method of administration is the same for everyone, but the doses may vary. For normal, uncomplicated inflammation, 2 tablets (100 mg) are prescribed twice a day. Children are prescribed one tablet (50 mg) twice a day. In more severe cases, with severe bacterial infection, severe complications, progression of the disease, the dosage may be increased. The maximum permissible dosage is 20 tablets per day.

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How much and how to take nitroxoline for cystitis?

It is much easier to answer the question of how to drink nitroxoline for cystitis than the question of how much to drink. Thus, there is only one way to use the drug - orally (swallow the tablets whole). The duration of treatment is determined by the doctor. It is based on the anamnesis data, examination results, the patient's well-being, and the severity of the pathological process.

It is almost impossible to say exactly how long the treatment will take. The minimum course of treatment is usually 7-10 days. But in severe cases, the treatment can be extended to a month. It is also not recommended to be treated for less than 7-10 days, since during this time, as a rule, the disease is not cured, but only its main symptoms are hidden. Treatment should be continued even if the symptoms no longer bother the person, and there are no visible signs of pathology. Otherwise, the disease may become chronic, or a relapse may occur.

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Nitroxoline for children with cystitis

Studies show that nitroxoline is relatively safe, so it is often prescribed to children for cystitis. It is excreted in the urine unchanged. It does not have a systemic, toxic effect on the body, so it can be prescribed even to newborns. But many believe that it is better to refrain from prescribing the drug to children until they reach 3 months of age.

As for premature babies, they cannot be prescribed nitroxoline, since the kidneys are still immature, there is a great load on them. The drug does not have time to be excreted, accumulates in the kidneys. At high concentrations, it can even get into the blood. This ends with intoxication of the body. If there is a history of prematurity, children are not prescribed this drug even after they reach 3 months of age.

Use Nitroxoline during pregnancy

It is impossible to give a clear answer to the question of whether the use of nitroxoline during pregnancy is permitted. Opinions differ among clinicians and practicing specialists. Some believe that the use of the drug during pregnancy does not cause harm. Others try not to use it during this period. The instructions indicate pregnancy as a contraindication for use. But you need to understand that everything is strictly individual, and is determined primarily by the risk-benefit ratio.

The doctor must assess the patient's condition. Kidney and urinary system pathology in a pregnant woman cannot be left untreated. During pregnancy, any inflammatory, and especially infectious process, is dangerous for the fetus. Especially if the urinary system, which borders on the reproductive organs, is subject to inflammation. It should also be taken into account that during pregnancy, even if it is proceeding normally, the load on the kidneys increases. If they are subject to inflammation, treatment is simply necessary, otherwise it can lead to severe kidney pathology, up to renal failure. Kidney pathology causes gestosis, severe edema, which harms both the mother and the child, and causes complications during childbirth, suffocation, stillbirths, and maternal mortality.

Therefore, the doctor must rationally weigh the pros and cons and assess how appropriate it is to prescribe nitroxoline. In principle, as the results of studies show, the drug does not have a negative or harmful effect on the fetus. Therefore, if the risk of lack of treatment exceeds the side effects, the drug should certainly be prescribed. There are many cases of prescribing the drug to pregnant women, and no negative consequences for the fetus after birth have been recorded. Gynecologists still prefer not to prescribe the drug in the third trimester, while in the first two trimesters, use is allowed. Conventionally, the drug can be taken up to 30 weeks. Of course, self-medication should not be done under any circumstances. There must be good reasons for prescribing the drug. Treatment should be under strict medical supervision.

In some cases, the use of nitroxoline is recommended during pregnancy for preventive purposes (if there are any pathologies of the kidneys and urinary system). This is due to the fact that pregnancy creates an additional burden on the kidney, increases the risk of complications and exacerbations.

Contraindications

The drug has virtually no contraindications for use. There are only 4 exceptions. The drug should not be given to children under 3 months. Contraindicated for children with a history of prematurity. Not recommended if a person has an allergy (increased reactivity, individual intolerance to one or more components included in the drug). Also, kidney disease and pregnancy are considered relative contraindications for use.

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Side effects Nitroxoline

There are few cases of side effects. They are mainly associated with improper use of the drug. Most often, a reaction develops from the digestive system. This may be nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence, pain and spasm of the intestines, stomach, constipation. People prone to allergies may experience an allergic reaction (most often these are skin reactions: urticaria, rash, irritation, swelling and redness of the skin). In case of overdose, signs of intoxication and other symptoms characteristic of poisoning may develop.

Overdose

Overdose cases are almost non-existent. When a large dose is administered, the excess is quickly excreted in the urine. However, an overdose may occur in this case. For example, if you drink too much of the drug. Usually, an overdose requires drinking more than 20 tablets per day. Overdose cases are observed in many kidney diseases (non-infectious), chronic pathologies, renal failure (when the kidneys cannot cope with the load, they cannot process all the medicine).

Overdose cases are quite often observed against the background of pyelonephritis, nephritis, glomerulonephritis. Isolated cases of overdose during pregnancy have been registered. Intoxication is also observed in premature babies due to the immaturity of the kidneys and their inability to remove the drug. Accordingly, it accumulates in the kidneys and causes an overdose.

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Interactions with other drugs

The therapeutic effect can be enhanced by combined use with antibiotics, nystatin, levorin. This enhances the effect of both drugs. Usually, with combined therapy using nitroxoline, the dosage of the antibiotic is halved. When used together with nitrofuran and its derivatives, side effects occur from the nervous system. The use of nitroxoline leads to a decrease in the therapeutic effect of antacid drugs that contain magnesium. Therefore, it is not recommended to combine the drug with drugs such as Maalox, Almagel. Also, with combined use, the activity of nalidixic acid decreases, so its dosage should be increased several times. In combination with alcohol, it leads to the development of side effects and symptoms of poisoning. Due to the fact that nitroxoline is a cumulative drug (accumulates in the blood and remains for a long time after the end of administration, providing a therapeutic effect), you should not take alcohol for another 5-7 days after the end of treatment.

Storage conditions

The drug is well stored under normal, room storage conditions. It should be stored in the original packaging, in a dry and dark place, out of the reach of children.

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Shelf life

Usually the expiration date should not exceed 2 years from the date of manufacture (indicated on the package). Otherwise, the active ingredients lose their activity, the treatment will not be effective (and sometimes even cause symptoms of intoxication).

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What if nitroxoline doesn’t help with cystitis?

There are cases when nitroxoline does not help with cystitis. If this happens, you need to resort to another drug or find its analogue.

Cyston has proven itself quite well. This is a herbal preparation created on the basis of natural plant components. The preparation is of Indian manufacture. Extracts and infusions from various plants are mainly used. The composition includes anti-inflammatory, antibacterial agents. Some plants affect gram-positive microorganisms, while others affect gram-negative microorganisms. The preparation also has a nephrolitholytic effect (ensures the resorption and removal of stones and sand from the kidneys). Some components have a stimulating effect, increasing immunity.

If nitroxoline does not help, you can also try canephron. It is effective for cystitis. It is a drug that is used both for treatment and prevention of many diseases: it eliminates bacterial infection, relieves inflammation, eliminates kidney diseases, urinary system, reduces the amount of protein in the urine.

Urolesan is a herbal preparation prescribed for kidney and urinary tract diseases. It is distinguished by the fact that it can be used for a long time: if necessary, the course of treatment can be extended to several months.

Fitolizin is an analogue of nitroxoline. It contains plant components. It is prescribed if a person has an allergy.

Analogues

Analogues include 5-Nitrox, 5-NOC, nitroxoline - AKOS, amizolid, dixin, dioxidine, zenix, zyvox, kirin, monural, sanguiritrin, phosphoimcin, linezolid, teva, stp cystitis, furadonin.

You can try urolesan, kanefron or phytolysin. Nephrophyt, prolit, renel, rovatinex, solidago, trinefron, urolesan, uro-control, uro veda, uronefron, urocholum, phytolysin, flavia are also used as interchangeable ones.

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Stop cystitis with nitroxoline

Stop-cystitis is a suspension for oral use with nitroxoline as an active ingredient. It also contains a number of herbal ingredients that have an additional anti-inflammatory and immunostimulating effect. It is recommended to prescribe to children at a rate of 4 ml per 5 kg of body weight. It is worth noting that the drug is a veterinary drug. But it is so proven and safe that it can be used by people. It is often prescribed for prophylactic purposes, since the herbal ingredients included in the composition make it safer and prevent side effects. It is also prescribed to dogs and cats.

Furadonin

It is an analogue of nitroxoline. Its advantage is that it is produced not only in the form of tablets, but also in the form of a suspension. Therefore, it is convenient to prescribe it to children. Indications for the use of furadonin are the same as for nitroxoline. Refers to broad-spectrum antibacterial drugs. There are more side effects than from nitroxoline. For example, it cannot be taken by people with heart disease, circulatory, respiratory systems, as well as during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Reviews

When analyzing the reviews, we find that most reviews are positive. Nitroxoline for cystitis quickly relieves pain, inflammation, prevents the development of infection and complications. It is prescribed to both adults and children. The course of treatment can be on average 7-14 days. After about 2-3 days, a noticeable improvement in the condition is observed. After about 5-7 days, the symptoms disappear, but it is recommended to continue the treatment to exclude the chronicity of the process, the likelihood of relapses. Almost everyone notes that the drug is well tolerated, does not cause side effects. It is worth emphasizing the ability of the drug to remove stones, sand from the kidneys, and dissolve salts. Patients write that nitroxoline allows you to effectively maintain remission if taken for prophylactic purposes. It is well tolerated during pregnancy and by children. Can be taken from 3 months.

Attention!

To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Nitroxoline for cystitis in women and men" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.

Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.

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