Medical Information Only: This medication is not sold on this site. The information provided is for reference purposes only. Please consult your local physician or pharmacist for treatment.

Lithostat: Full Drug Profile

Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026

Lithostat - General Information

Lithostat, a synthetic drug derived from hydroxylamine and ethyl acetate, is similar in structure to urea. In the urine, it acts as an antagonist of the bacterial enzyme urease. Lithostat has no direct antimicrobial action and does not acidify urine directly. It is used, in addition to antibiotics or medical procedures, to treat chronic urea-splitting urinary infections.

 

Pharmacology of Lithostat

Lithostat, a synthetic drug derived from hydroxylamine and ethyl acetate, is similar in structure to urea. In the urine, it acts as an antagonist of the bacterial enzyme urease. Lithostat has no direct antimicrobial action and does not acidify urine directly.

 

Lithostat for patients

 

Lithostat Interactions

Concomitant use with iron supplements may result in the reduced absorption of iron.

 

Lithostat Contraindications

Should not be used in patients with urinary infections resulting from non-urease producing organims, in patients with poor renal function, in patients who are pregnant, and female patients who are not taking some form of effective birth control.

 

Additional information about Lithostat

Lithostat Indication

Used, in addition to antibiotics or medical procedures, to treat chronic urea-splitting urinary infections.

Mechanism Of Action
Lithostat reversibly inhibits the bacterial enzyme urease. This inhibits the hydrolysis of urea and production of ammonia in urine infected with urea-splitting organisms, leading to a decrease in pH and ammonia levels. As antimicrobial agents are more effective in such conditions, the effectiveness of these agents is amplified, resulting in a higher cure rate.
Generic Name
Acetohydroxamic Acid
Synonyms
AHA; Cetohyroxamic acid; Methylhydroxamic acid; N-Hydroxyacetamide; Acetylhydroxamic acid; Acetyl hydroxyamino; Acetohydroximic acid; Acetic acid, oxime; Acethydroxamsaure; Acetohydroxamate
Drug Category
Enzyme Inhibitors
Drug Type
Small Molecule; Approved
Other Brand Names containing Acetohydroxamic Acid
Lithostat;
Absorption
Well absorbed from the GI tract following oral administration.
Toxicity (Overdose)
Oral, rat: LD50 = 4.8gm/kg. Symptoms of overdose include anorexia, malaise, lethargy, diminished sense of wellbeing, tremor, anxiety, nausea, and vomiting.
Protein Binding
No known binding
Biotransformation
35-65% of oral dose excreted unchanged in urine (which provides the drug's therapeutic effect).
Half Life
5-10 hours in patients with normal renal function
Dosage Forms of Lithostat
Tablet Oral
Chemical IUPAC Name
N-hydroxyacetamide
Chemical Formula
C2H5NO2
Organisms Affected
Enteric bacteria and other eubacteria