Ornidazole
AntibioticUses of Ornidazole
Ornidazole is an antibiotic and antiprotozoal medicine used to treat infections caused by anaerobic bacteria and parasites.
Ornidazole is commonly used for:
- Amoebiasis (amoebic dysentery): Treats intestinal and liver infections caused by the parasite Entamoeba histolytica, causing bloody diarrhoea and abdominal pain.
- Giardiasis: Eliminates infection by the intestinal parasite Giardia lamblia, which causes watery diarrhoea, bloating, and digestive discomfort.
- Trichomoniasis: Treats genital infections caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, a sexually transmitted parasite causing vaginal discharge, itching, and discomfort.
- Bacterial vaginosis: Manages abnormal overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria in the vagina that causes discharge and odour.
- Anaerobic bacterial infections: Treats infections caused by bacteria that thrive in low-oxygen environments, including abdominal, dental, and gynaecological infections.
- Prevention of post-surgical infections: Used before or after surgery to reduce the risk of anaerobic bacterial infection.
Side effects of Ornidazole
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Taste disturbances
- Nausea
- Vomiting
How Ornidazole works
- Ornidazole works by entering bacterial and parasitic cells and damaging their DNA, preventing them from reproducing and ultimately causing their death.
- It is a member of the 5-nitroimidazole class of antimicrobial agents. When Ornidazole enters anaerobic bacterial or protozoal cells, it undergoes a chemical reduction reaction. In anaerobic organisms, a ferredoxin-based electron transport system converts the nitro group of Ornidazole into a reactive nitro radical anion. This highly reactive intermediate interacts directly with the DNA of the microorganism, causing strand breaks and preventing normal DNA replication and repair.
- Without intact DNA, the bacteria or parasite cannot reproduce, and eventually dies.
- Ornidazole is effective against a wide range of anaerobic bacteria and protozoa (parasites), including Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, and Trichomonas vaginalis. It has no significant activity against aerobic (oxygen-dependent) bacteria, which is why it is often combined with other antibiotics for mixed infections.
Certified content
Written By
Dr. Sachin SinghMedical Team Lead & Reviewer| 7 years
MBBS
Reviewed By
Dr. Mandeep ChadhaLead Medical Content Reviewer| 12 years
MBBS, DNB (OBGY)
Expert Advice
Dosage Forms Available
- Ornidazole is available for use via oral route (tablets).
Age and Dose Restrictions
- This medicine is meant for adults and children based on weight.
Contraindications
- Ornidazole should not be used by individuals with a known hypersensitivity to Ornidazole or any other medication belonging to the nitroimidazole group of antimicrobial agents.
Medications to Avoid with This Drug
- Ornidazole could potentially interact with blood thinners like warfarin and muscle relaxants such as vecuronium bromide.
Overdose and Missed Dose
- If you accidentally take more Ornidazole than prescribed, contact your doctor or go to the nearest hospital immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and in severe cases, neurological effects such as numbness, tingling, or seizures.
- If you miss a dose of Ornidazole, take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time. Completing the full prescribed course is important to ensure the infection is fully cleared.
Management of Side Effects
- Most side effects are temporary and generally harmless and resolve when discontinuing this medicine. However, if you experience any severe side effects or worsening of any of the symptoms, please consult your doctor.
Use In Driving And Operating Machinery
- This medication may impair your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Use in Pregnancy and Lactation
- This medicine is not recommended in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Caution in Other Conditions
- Patients with renal or hepatic conditions should exercise caution when taking this medicine.
Special Dietary & Lifestyle Recommendation
- Taking antibiotics can disrupt the beneficial bacteria in your stomach that aid in digestion.
- To counteract this, it's recommended to consume foods rich in probiotics, such as yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, tempeh, kimchi, miso, kombucha, buttermilk, natto, and cheese.
- Additionally, include fibre-rich foods like whole grains, beans, lentils, berries, broccoli, peas, and bananas in your diet to support digestive health.
- However, it's important to avoid foods high in calcium, grapefruit, and grapefruit juice, as they may interfere with the absorption of antibiotics.
- Lastly, refrain from consuming alcohol and using tobacco products to promote overall health and aid in recovery.
Frequently asked questions
How much time does Ornidazole take to work?
This medicine's onset of action may require a few hours for full efficacy to be realised.
What warnings and precautions should I take while taking Ornidazole?
If you're allergic to this medicine, don't take it. Seek medical help right away if you have any allergic reactions.
Can I stop taking Ornidazole if I feel healthy?
Please do not discontinue Ornidazole without consulting your doctor first. Abruptly stopping the medication may result in the return of symptoms.
Is it safe for patients with kidney or liver issues?
Patients with renal or hepatic conditions should exercise caution when taking this medicine.
Will Ornidazole affect fertility?
This medication does not affect your fertility, however, discuss it with your doctor before taking it.
What is Ornidazole used for?
Ornidazole is an antibiotic medicine used to treat infections caused by certain bacteria and parasites, especially those that grow without oxygen (anaerobic bacteria). It is commonly prescribed for stomach and intestinal infections, amoebiasis, giardiasis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and infections of the reproductive system.
List of medicines for Ornidazole
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