acetohydroxamic acid

Action and Spectrum

Mechanism of action

acetohydroxamic acid (AHA) is a chemical that acts as an inhibitor of bacterial urease, an enzyme found in many urinary tract infections (UTIs) causing bacteria. By inhibiting urease, AHA interferes with the formation of urea and the subsequent breakdown of urine, thus leading to reduced bacterial growth and eventual clearance of UTIs

Spectrum

The spectrum of activity of AHA is narrow, meaning that it only affects a limited range of bacteria. It is effective against various bacterial species that cause UTIs, including Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus saprophyticus. However, it is not active against other common bacterial pathogens, such as Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency defined:

>10%

Anorexia

Nausea

Anxiety

Depression

Hemolytic anemia

Mild headache

Malaise

Vomiting

Confused

Involuntary quivering

<1%

Blood clot

Phlebitis

Alopecia

Macular rash

Black Box Warning

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindications

Caution

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: AHA is contraindicated in pregnant women as it may harm the fetus. Breast-feeding women should also avoid the use of AHA.

Hypersensitivity: AHA may cause allergic reactions in individuals who are hypersensitive to it.

Renal impairment: AHA is contraindicated in individuals with severe renal impairment as it can accumulate in the body and cause adverse effects.

Drug interactions: AHA may interact with other medications, particularly those that affect the renal system, and may increase the risk of toxicity.

Hemolytic anemia: AHA may cause hemolytic anemia in individuals with certain blood disorders

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: It is contraindicated in pregnant women as it may harm the fetus

Lactation: Excretion of the drug in human breast milk is unknown

Pregnancy category:

Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester.

Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.

Category D: adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category

Pharmacology

Pharmacology

acetohydroxamic acid (AHA) is an inhibitor of bacterial urease, an enzyme in many urinary tract infections (UTIs) causing bacteria. By inhibiting urease, AHA reduces the formation of ammonia and subsequent bacterial growth, leading to the eventual clearance of UTIs

Pharmacodynamics

The pharmacodynamics of acetohydroxamic acid (AHA) involves the inhibition of the bacterial enzyme urease. Urease is an enzyme found in many bacteria that cause urinary tract infections (UTIs), and it helps to break down urea in the urine, leading to the formation of ammonia. The ammonia increases the pH of the urine, making it more alkaline and creating an environment favorable for bacterial growth.

AHA works by inhibiting urease’s activity, which reduces ammonia’s production and subsequent bacterial growth. This leads to a reduction in the number of bacteria causing UTIs and a subsequent improvement in symptoms

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: AHA is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration.

Distribution: AHA is widely distributed in the body and can cross the blood-brain barrier.

Metabolism: AHA is rapidly metabolized in the liver and kidneys to form several inactive metabolites.

Elimination/Excretion: AHA and its metabolites are primarily eliminated in the urine

Adminstartion

Administration

Generally, AHA is taken twice a day, with or without food. It is essential to follow the dosing instructions a healthcare professional provides and stay within the maximum recommended daily dose.

It is also important to note that AHA should be taken consistently, as missing doses may reduce its effectiveness. If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible. If it is close to the next dose, the missed dose should be skipped, and the next dose should be taken regularly

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet

Generic Name: acetohydroxamic acid

Pronounced: [ a-SEET-oh-HYE-drox-AM-ik-AS-id ]

Why do we use acetohydroxamic acid?

acetohydroxamic acid (AHA) treats urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by bacteria that produce the enzyme urease. It is also used with antibiotics for treating chronic bacterial prostatitis and as an adjunctive treatment for bladder cancer.