Ornidazole is indicated for: Amoebiasis (intestinal and hepatic), Giardiasis, Trichomoniasis, Bacterial vaginosis ,Treatment of susceptible anaerobic infections.

Ornidazole is a 5-nitroimidazole derivative with activity against protozoa and anaerobic bacteria. It is metabolized into active reduction products that interact with microbial DNA, leading to disruption of the DNA helical structure and strand breakage. This results in inhibition of protein synthesis and ultimately causes cell death in susceptible organisms.

Amoebiasis:

• Adults: 500 mg twice a day for 5 days.
• Children: 10-25 mg per kg body weight in two divided doses.

Amoebic dysentery:

• Adults: 1.5 gm once a day for 3 days.
• Children: 40 mg per kg body weight, once a day for 3 days.

Giardiasis:

• Adults: 1.5 gm once daily for 1-2 days.
• Children: 40 mg per kg body weight for 2 days.

Trichomoniasis: 1.5 gm once or 500 mg twice a day for 5 days. Sexual partner should also be treated at the same time.

Bacterial vaginosis: 3 tablets of 500 mg each as a single dose or one tablet of 500 mg once daily for 5-7 days.

Like other imidazole derivatives, Ornidazole may produce mild disulfiram-like reactions. Concurrent use with oral anticoagulants may increase the risk of bleeding due to reduced hepatic metabolism. Ornidazole has also been reported to reduce the clearance of 5-fluorouracil.

Ornidazole is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to Ornidazole or other nitroimidazole derivatives. It should not be used in patients with central nervous system disorders, especially epilepsy or peripheral neuropathy.

The adverse effects of Ornidazole are mainly related to the gastrointestinal tract, such as nausea, vomiting, and epigastric discomfort, and the central nervous system, including dizziness, headache, and weakness. Unlike many other nitroimidazoles, Ornidazole does not appear to interact significantly with alcohol, although further studies are needed.

Occasional cases of leukopenia have been reported during treatment. CNS-related adverse effects may include headache, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, weakness, and lassitude. These effects may occur less frequently than with metronidazole. Seizures have not been reported in available studies.

Adequate clinical studies have not been performed. Ornidazole should be used during pregnancy and lactation only when the expected benefit outweighs the possible risk to the fetus or newborn.

Ornidazole should be used cautiously in patients with ataxia, vertigo, or mental confusion. During prolonged therapy, mild blood dyscrasia such as leukopenia may rarely occur. If leukopenia develops, continuation of therapy should depend on the severity of the infection.

Renal Impairment: In haemodialysis patients, an additional dose (50% of the regular dose) should be given before dialysis.

Hepatic Impairment: In severe hepatic impairment, the dosing interval should be doubled.

Amoebicides, Anti-diarrhoeal Antiprotozoal

Store at room temperature. Protect from light and moisture.