Like other imidazoles, Ornidazole has a mild potential to cause disulfiramlike reactions. Concomitant administration of oral anticoagulants may increase the risk of haemorrhage due to diminished hepatic metabolism. Ornidazole has been reported to decrease the clearance of 5-fluorouracil.
Side effects of Ornidazole have been mainly limited to the gastrointestinal tract (nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain) and central nervous system (dizziness, headache, lassitude). Unlike other nitroimidazoles, Ornidazole does not interact with alcohol, although this requires further study.
Leukopenia has been described occasionally during therapy. Adverse central nervous system (CNS) effects of Ornidazole have mainly included headache, dizziness, lassitude or somnolence, fatigue and weakness. Adverse CNS effects of Ornidazole may be less than that happens with metronidazole. Seizures have not been reported with Ornidazole in studies available to date.
Adequate clinical trials have not been conducted. Ornidazole should be prescribed only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to fetus/neonate.
In patient with ataxia, vertigo, and mental confusion, Ornidazole should be prescribed with caution. During prolonged treatment with Ornidazole, blood dyscrasia namely mild leukopenia have been reported rarely. In case leukopenia occurs, the decision to discontinue the therapy should depend upon the gravity of infection.
Renal Impairment Haemodialysis patients: Give a supplemental dose (50% of the usual dose) before dialysis.
Hepatic Impairment Severe: Double the interval between doses.
Amoebicides, Anti-diarrhoeal Antiprotozoal
Store at room temperature and protect from light and moisture.
