Acetohydroxamic Acid
Acetohydroxamic acid is a urease inhibitor used to treat chronic urinary tract infections and prevent the formation of struvite (infection) kidney stones. It works by blocking the bacterial enzyme urease, which reduces ammonia production in the urine and creates an environment less favorable for stone formation. This medication is typically prescribed when other treatments have been ineffective.
Acetohydroxamic acid is a urease inhibitor used to prevent struvite kidney stones and treat recurrent urinary tract infections.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- G04BX03
- RxNorm
- 16728
- Generic
- Acetohydroxamic Acid
- Class
- atc-g04
- Brands
- Lithostat
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second third trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring and growth assessment
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid or discontinue breastfeeding
breastfeeding not recommended due to unknown excretion into breast milk
monitor infant for adverse effects
pediatric_age
children under 12not recommended
safety and effectiveness not established in pediatric patients
close clinical monitoring if used
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderly 65 yearsadjust dose based on renal function
use with caution due to age-related decline in renal function
monitor renal function regularly
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild renal impairmentreduce dose by 25-50%
monitor renal function and adjust dose accordingly
regular monitoring of renal function and drug levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentsignificant dose reduction or avoid use
use with extreme caution or avoid in severe renal impairment
frequent monitoring of renal function and drug levels
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderate hepatic impairmentuse with caution
use with caution due to hepatic metabolism
monitor liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severe hepatic impairmentavoid use
avoid use in severe hepatic impairment
close monitoring if used
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval information for Acetohydroxamic Acid (Lithostat)
Drug class
Pharmacological classification of Acetohydroxamic Acid
Common uses
Therapeutic applications of Acetohydroxamic Acid
Mechanism of action
Pharmacodynamic properties
Treatment and prevention of struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate) kidney stones, management of chronic or recurrent urinary tract infections caused by urease-producing bacteria, and adjunct therapy alongside antimicrobial agents.
Acts as a competitive inhibitor of the enzyme urease, which is produced by certain bacteria and bladder cells. By blocking this enzyme, it prevents the breakdown of urea into ammonia, thereby reducing urine alkalinity and inhibiting the formation of struvite crystals and stones.
Should not be used during pregnancy as it may cause fetal harm. Common side effects may include gastrointestinal upset, headache, and skin reactions. Regular blood monitoring may be required during treatment. Often used in combination with antibiotics rather than as monotherapy.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy