Utinal 500 mg Tablet

Older quinolone antibacterial for:

• Uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections caused by sensitive Gram-negative bacteria
• Historically: shigella dysentery (now often resistant — not first choice)

Adults: 900 mg–1 g four times daily for 7 days (acute UTI); 500 mg four times daily for chronic suppression.

Children over 3 months: up to 50 mg/kg/day in 4 divided doses (reduced to 30 mg/kg/day for prolonged use).

• Take 1 hour before meals with plenty of water.
• Resistance is common — use only when sensitivity is likely.

• Allergy to quinolones
• History of seizures/epilepsy
• Porphyria
• Infants under 3 months
• G6PD deficiency (haemolysis risk)

Common: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, rash, itching, sun sensitivity, visual disturbances (glare, colour changes).

Less common: headache, dizziness, drowsiness.

Rare but serious: raised intracranial pressure (infants — bulging fontanelle), seizures, haemolytic anaemia, tendon inflammation/rupture, severe skin reactions, liver problems.

• Avoid strong sunlight.
• Kidney or liver impairment: caution.
• Stop and seek help with tendon pain, severe headache, visual changes or seizures.

Avoid in pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

• Warfarin (increased effect)
• Antacids, iron, calcium (reduce absorption — take 2–4 hours apart)
• Nitrofurantoin (antagonism — avoid)
• Melphalan (toxicity)

Lethargy, vomiting, metabolic acidosis, seizures. Seek medical care.

Store below 30°C, protected from light.