Generic
Ornidazole
8 brands available in the market
At a glance
Ornidazole is a 5-nitroimidazole antibiotic used for amoebiasis, giardiasis, trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis and susceptible anaerobic infections. It interacts with DNA of protozoa and anaerobic bacteria to cause cell death.
Description
Ornidazole is a 5-nitroimidazole derivative active against protozoa and anaerobic bacteria. It is converted to reduction products that interact with DNA to cause destruction of helical DNA structure and protein synthesis inhibition, leading to cell death in susceptible organisms.
Indications
- Amoebiasis (intestinal and hepatic)
- Giardiasis
- Trichomoniasis
- Bacterial vaginosis
- Susceptible anaerobic infections
Therapeutic class
Amoebicides, Anti-diarrhoeal Antiprotozoal
Pharmacological class
5-Nitroimidazole Antibiotic
Pharmacology
Ornidazole is converted to reduction products that interact with DNA to destroy helical DNA structure and inhibit protein synthesis, resulting in cell death.
Mechanism of action
Treats infections by damaging DNA of protozoa and anaerobic bacteria.
Dosage
Amoebiasis: 500 mg twice daily for 5 days
Amoebic dysentery: 1500 mg once daily for 3 days
Giardiasis: 1500 mg once daily for 1-2 days
Trichomoniasis: 1500 mg once or 500 mg twice daily for 5 days
Bacterial vaginosis: 1500 mg once (3 x 500 mg tablets) or 500 mg once daily for 5-7 days
Administration
- Take with food
- Swallow tablet whole; do not chew, crush or break
- Take at the same time each day
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember; skip if it's almost time for next dose; do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue, weakness
- Somnolence
- Tremor
- Vertigo
- Skin reaction
- Numbness of extremity
Precautions & warnings
- Caution in ataxia, vertigo, mental confusion
- Long-term treatment may cause blood dyscrasia (mild leukopenia)
- Caution while driving
- Avoid alcohol
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Central nervous system disorders (especially epilepsy or peripheral neuropathy)
Drug interactions
- May cause disulfiram-like reactions
- Increased risk of hemorrhage with oral anticoagulants
- Decreased clearance of 5-fluorouracil
Food interactions
Alcohol may cause disulfiram-like reaction; avoid.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Ornidazole may be unsafe during pregnancy; use only if potential benefit justifies potential risk.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Information not available; consult doctor.
Pediatric use
Dose established for children (weight-based).
Geriatric use
Elderly may require dose adjustment.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Hemodialysis patients: Give supplemental dose (50% of usual dose) before dialysis; safe in kidney disease.
Hepatic Impairment: Severe: Double interval between doses; caution.
Overdose effects
Overdose may cause neurological symptoms; symptomatic treatment.
Storage conditions
Store at room temperature; protect from light and moisture; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Ornidazole