On this page · 8 sections

Lithostat

Generic name: acetohydroxamic acid

Last updated November 2, 2026 0 views
Share

What is Lithostat?

Lithostat helps stop ammonia from building up in urine, which can happen due to a bladder infection. High levels of ammonia in urine can lead to kidney stones.

Lithostat is used to keep ammonia levels low in urine for people with a specific type of chronic bladder infection.

Lithostat is not an antibiotic and will not cure the infection itself. Lithostat is just one part of a treatment plan that may also include antibiotics to treat the infection and surgery to remove kidney stones. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.

Lithostat may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

How should I take Lithostat?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take Lithostat in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Take Lithostat on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

This medicine is usually taken every 6 to 8 hours. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have. Lithostat is for use only in people with a certain type of bladder infection.

While using Lithostat, you may need frequent blood and urine tests.

Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time, even if you have no symptoms of a bladder infection. Lithostat is not an antibiotic and will not treat a bacterial infection alone. Take your antibiotic medication as directed.

You may need to use Lithostat for several years.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

Warnings

You should not use Lithostat if you have kidney disease, or if you have bladder symptoms that have not been checked by a doctor.

Lithostat can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Do not use Lithostat if you are pregnant or if you are not using birth control.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Lithostat if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

  • kidney disease;
  • bladder symptoms that have not been checked by a doctor with lab tests; or
  • if you are pregnant or are not using birth control.

To make sure Lithostat is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • liver disease;
  • hemolytic anemia (a lack of red blood cells); or
  • a weak immune system.

FDA pregnancy category X. This medicine can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Do not use Lithostat if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant or if you stop using birth control for any reason during treatment with this medicine.

It is not known whether acetohydroxamic acid passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

Lithostat side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Lithostat may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

  • pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
  • signs of a blood clot in your leg—pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one or both legs; or
  • signs of a red blood cell disorder—pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness.

Common side effects of Lithostat may include:

  • headache during the first 2 days of treatment;
  • skin rash, warmth, tingling or redness (especially if you drink alcohol while taking Lithostat);
  • upset stomach, nausea, loss of appetite;
  • depressed mood;
  • anxiety, tremors, nervousness; or
  • hair loss.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Remember to take Lithostat on an empty stomach.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include general ill feeling, vomiting, and feeling anxious or uneasy.

You may have a skin rash or flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling) if you drink alcohol while taking Lithostat.

  • Ask your doctor before taking any vitamin or mineral supplement that contains iron.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

What other drugs will affect Lithostat?

Other drugs may interact with acetohydroxamic acid, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform each of your health care providers about all the medicines you are currently using and any medicine you begin or stop using.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

Related medicines

Before you take this medicine: the information on this page is general and may not cover your personal circumstances. Read the label supplied with your medicine and ask a pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking other medicines or managing a long-term condition.
General medicine information Consumer-friendly language

Content is provided for education and is not medical advice. See our medical disclaimer.