Ornil

Indications

Ornidazole is used to treat infections caused by certain parasites and by anaerobic bacteria (germs that grow without oxygen), including:

• amoebiasis, such as amoebic dysentery and amoebic liver abscess;
• giardiasis (a gut infection causing diarrhoea, gas and bloating);
• trichomoniasis (a sexually transmitted infection) in women and men;
• anaerobic infections, and prevention of infection around some operations, as decided by the doctor.

How It Works

Ornidazole belongs to the nitroimidazole group. Inside the parasite or bacterium it is changed into a reactive form that damages the germ's DNA, so the germ dies.

Dosage and Administration

• Amoebic dysentery, adults: 1.5 g as a single dose a day for 3 days, or 500 mg twice a day for 5 to 10 days, as prescribed.
• Giardiasis, adults: 1.5 g once a day for 1 or 2 days, as prescribed.
• Trichomoniasis, adults: usually 1.5 g as a single dose; the sexual partner should be treated at the same time.
• Anaerobic infections, liver abscess and surgery: as prescribed. The injection is given in hospital by a doctor or nurse.
• Children: by weight, as prescribed.

Take tablets after meals with water. Finish the full course even if you feel better.

Interactions

Ornidazole can increase the effect of Warfarin and other coumarin blood thinners, so blood tests and dose changes may be needed. It can make the muscle relaxant Vecuronium last longer during surgery. Some enzyme-inducing medicines (such as Phenobarbital) can lower its effect. Avoid alcohol during treatment and for at least a day afterwards to be safe. Tell your doctor about all medicines you take.

Contraindications

• Allergy to Ornidazole or other nitroimidazoles (such as Metronidazole or Tinidazole)
• Diseases of the brain or nerves, such as epilepsy or multiple sclerosis, unless the doctor decides otherwise
• Blood disorders or a history of low white blood cells
• The first 3 months of pregnancy, unless clearly needed

Side Effects

Common: nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, a bitter or metallic taste, headache, dizziness and drowsiness. Less often: rash, itching, tiredness and changes in blood counts.

Rarely it affects the nerves, causing tingling or numbness in the hands or feet, shaking, confusion or fits.

Stop and get medical help at once for: fits, numbness or tingling, severe dizziness or loss of balance, confusion, swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing, or a severe rash.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Avoid in the first 3 months of pregnancy. Later in pregnancy, use only if the doctor decides the benefit outweighs the risk. Ornidazole passes into breast milk; the doctor may advise pausing breastfeeding during treatment.

Precautions and Warnings

• Take extra care with liver disease; the dose may need changing.
• For long courses, the doctor may check blood counts.
• It can cause drowsiness or dizziness; do not drive or use machines if affected.
• Stop and see a doctor if you notice numbness, tingling or unsteadiness.

Overdose

An overdose may cause stronger side effects, such as vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, numbness, confusion or fits. Contact a doctor or go to hospital; treatment is supportive.

Therapeutic Class

Antiprotozoal and antibacterial medicine (nitroimidazole).

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.