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Overview: Lithostat is used to treat a certain type of urinary infection called chronic urea-splitting urinary infection. It works by reducing ammonia in the urine and making it less alkaline, which may help antibiotics treat infections more effectively. Common side effects include headache, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, feeling unwell, depression, anxiety, and others. Lithostat is available as a tablet that is swallowed.

Uses

What is Lithostat used for?

Lithostat (acetohydroxamic acid) is used to treat certain types of kidney or bladder infections. 

Lithostat may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Lithostat work (mechanism of action)?

Lithostat works by reducing ammonia in the urine and making it less alkaline, which helps antibiotics work more effectively and improves the treatment of infections caused by urea-splitting bacteria. In people who are not candidates for surgery, Lithostat may also help reduce stone growth.

How is Lithostat supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Lithostat

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 250 mg oral tablets

How should I store Lithostat?

Lithostat should be stored at room temperature, between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C). Store in a cool, dry place and keep the container tightly closed. 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Lithostat?

The most common side effects of Lithostat are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Headache
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • General feeling of being unwell, tired, or not having your usual energy
  • Depression and anxiety (see below)
  • Hemolytic anemia (a condition where red blood cells are destroyed)(see below)

There may be other side effects of Lithostat that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Lithostat?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Lithostat are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Lithostat may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Lithostat and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Hemolytic Anemia. Lithostat may cause anemia, including hemolytic anemia, which is when red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be made. Stomach problems, including nausea, vomiting, appetite loss, and feeling unwell, may be a sign of severe hemolytic anemia. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these symptoms or any of the following symptoms.

  • Unusual weakness or tiredness
  • Cold hands and feet
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat
  • Pale or yellowish skin 
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
  • Shortness of breath

Blood Clots. Lithostat may cause a blood clot in your veins, called venous thromboembolism (VTE). A blood clot that travels to your lungs is called a pulmonary embolism. A blood clot in your legs or arms is called a deep venous thrombosis. Stop taking Lithostat and get emergency help if you have any of the following signs of a blood clot.

  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat
  • Fast breathing or shortness of breath
  • Pain, swelling, or tenderness in your arm or leg
  • Red or warm skin in your arm or leg

Depression and Anxiety. Lithostat may cause depression, anxiety, nervousness, or involuntary shaking movements. If you are about to harm yourself, call 911 or call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • New or increased thoughts of suicide or death
  • Suicide attempt
  • Involuntary shaking
  • New or increased feelings of anxiety, depression, nervousness, or other unusual changes in mood or behavior

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Lithostat?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Lithostat.

  • Acetohydroxamic acid
  • Lithostat
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Lithostat.

Kidney Problems. Lithostat should not be used if your kidneys are not working as well as they should be. If there is a concern about the health of your kidneys, your health care provider may do tests to determine if they are working well enough to take this medicine.

Pregnancy or Not Using Effective Birth Control. Do not take Lithostat if you are pregnant or if you are not using effective birth control. You can ask your health care provider about the best type of birth control for you. If you become pregnant while taking Lithostat, contact your health care provider right away. See the Pregnancy section for more details.

Certain Types of Infection. You should not take Lithostat if you are a candidate for surgery or if your urinary tract infection (UTI) can be treated with appropriate antibiotics. Lithostat is not necessary if antibiotics alone can treat the infection. Also, you should not use Lithostat if your UTI is caused by bacteria that do not produce urease, as Lithostat only works for urease-producing bacteria. Lithostat should not be used if your UTI can be effectively treated with antibiotics recommended by culture results.

What should I know about Lithostat before using it?

Do not take Lithostat unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share Lithostat with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Lithostat out of the reach of children.

Lithostat is not a substitute for surgery and does not dissolve kidney stones. It may be used after you have stones surgically removed. 

If you can become pregnant, you will need to use an effective form of birth control while taking Lithostat. You can talk with your health care provider about the best type of birth control for you. If you get pregnant while taking Lithostat, tell your health care provider right away. 

Your health care provider will monitor you while taking Lithostat. Keep all appointments for follow up and labs. 

Mild headaches are a common side effect of Lithostat, especially in the beginning of treatment. Ask your health care provider if you can take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) if this happens.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Lithostat?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Lithostat is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have or have had any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Lithostat may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Lithostat, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. People who can become pregnant should not take Lithostat. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Lithostat passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will advise you if you should stop breastfeeding or stop Lithostat.

How can I get more information about Lithostat?

For more information about Lithostat, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.lithostat.com or call them at 210-696-8400.

Interactions

Does Lithostat interact with foods or drinks?

Lithostat should be taken on an empty stomach. Lithostat may interact with foods that contain iron. Ask your health care provider if you should make any dietary changes.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Lithostat. The risk of skin reactions, including flushing and rash, may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking Lithostat.

Does Lithostat interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are taking any iron products, including drugs, antacids, vitamins, or supplements that contain iron. 

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Lithostat. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Lithostat?

If you or someone else has used too much Lithostat, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Lithostat?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.