Category- Allopathy
About Ornidazole 500mg
Ornidazole 500 mg is a nitroimidazole antibiotic and antiprotozoal medicine. Ornidazole 500 mg is used to treat conditions like amoebiasis, giardiasis, trichomoniasis, bacterial infections, and infection-related diarrhea by killing harmful bacteria and parasites. Ornidazole 500mg is usually taken in a dose of 500 mg once or twice daily as prescribed by the doctor, and it is not recommended to take more than the prescribed dose, as overdose may cause severe dizziness, vomiting, seizures, or nerve-related problems. Common side effects of Ornidazole 500 mg include nausea, headache, dizziness, metallic taste in the mouth, and stomach discomfort, while some people may experience vomiting or tingling sensations.
Ornidazole 500mg should not be used by people with allergy to ornidazole or similar drugs, severe liver disease, or nervous system disorders like epilepsy, as it may worsen the condition or cause serious side effects. Avoid alcohol during treatment as it may lead to severe reactions, and always complete the full course for effective infection control.
Medicine Highlights
| Uses | 1. To treat bacterial infections (especially anaerobic infections) 2. To treat protozoal infections (like amoebiasis, giardiasis) 3. To treat diarrhea caused by infections 4. To treat vaginal and intestinal infections |
| Common Side Effects | 1. Nausea 2. Headache 3. Dizziness 4. Metallic taste in mouth 5. Stomach discomfort |
| Additional Information | To be taken only when prescribed by the doctor. |
| Storage | 1. The medicine should be stored at room temperature. 2. Keep away from sunlight and moisture. 3. Keep away from the reach of children |
| How to Take This Medicine | Take this medication orally with a sip of water |
Ornidazole 500mg Uses
Ornidazole 500 mg is an antibiotic and antiprotozoal. Ornidazole 500mg is used to treat conditions like:
- Amoebiasis and giardiasis (protozoal infections)
- Bacterial infections
- Infectious diarrhea
- Vaginal and intestinal infections
Ornidazole 500mg side effects
More Common
- Nausea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Metallic taste
- Stomach discomfort
Less Common
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Skin rash
- Numbness or tingling sensation
How Ornidazole 500mg works
Ornidazole 500mg works by entering into the harmful bacteria, parasite’s body and damaging their DNA, which stops their growth and leads to their death. This helps clear the infection and improve symptoms.
Safety Measures and Warning
Allergy / Hypersensitivity
If you are allergic to ornidazole or similar medicines, inform your doctor because this medicine can cause rash, itching, swelling, or breathing difficulty.
Pregnancy
If you are pregnant, inform your doctor because this medicine may affect the baby and should be used only if clearly needed.
Breastfeeding
If you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor because this medicine may pass into breast milk and affect the baby.
Epilepsy (seizures)
If you have nervous system disorders (like epilepsy), inform your doctor because this medicine can cause dizziness, seizures, or nerve-related problems.
Liver disease
If you have liver disease, inform your doctor because this medicine is processed in the liver and may worsen liver function or increase side effects.
Ornidazole 500mg Interaction with Food Product
Avoid alcohol as it may cause severe reactions like nausea, vomiting, flushing, and dizziness. Take the medicine after food to reduce stomach irritation.
Ornidazole 500mg Interaction with Other Medicines
Avoid taking Ornidazole 500mg with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal:
Ornidazole 500mg Chemical Structure
IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name
Ornidazole 500mg: 1-chloro-3-(2-methyl-5-nitroimidazol-1-yl)propan-2-ol
Intake routine/cycle
Daily dose
Take Ornidazole 500mg exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.
Missed Dose
If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.
Overdose
It is not recommended to take Ornidazole more than 10 g per day, as excessive intake may cause severe bloating, stomach pain, intestinal blockage, or difficulty in swallowing. Seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
Storage
- Store the medicine at room temperature.
- Keep away from sunlight and moisture.
- Keep out of reach of children
Directions for use
- Take Ornidazole 500mg exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the same time each day.
- Do not stop taking Ornidazole 500mg without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better.
- If you forget to take Ornidazole 500mg, take them as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.
FAQ’s
What are the uses of Ornidazole 500mg?
Ornidazole 500mgis used to treat bacterial and protozoal infections such as amoebiasis, giardiasis, trichomoniasis, and infection-related diarrhoea. It helps kill harmful microorganisms and relieves symptoms of infection.
What are the side effects of Ornidazole 500mg?
Common side effects of Ornidazole 500mg include nausea, headache, dizziness, metallic taste in the mouth, and stomach discomfort. In some cases, vomiting, fatigue, or nerve-related symptoms like tingling or numbness may occur.
What is the dose of Ornidazole per day?
The usual dose is 500 mg once or twice daily depending on the type and severity of infection. The exact dose and duration should be followed as prescribed by the doctor.
What is the drug class of Ornidazole 500mg?
Ornidazole 500mg belongs to the class of antibiotics known as nitroimidazoles, which have both antibacterial and antiprotozoal properties.
Reference
- Ornidazole: Uses, Interactions, Mechanism of Action | DrugBank Online [Internet]. Drugbank.com. DrugBank; 2020. Available from
- PubChem. Ornidazole [Internet]. Nih.gov. PubChem; 2025. Available from
- Ornidazole: Uses, Interactions, Mechanism of Action | DrugBank Online [Internet]. Drugbank.com. DrugBank; 2020. Available from
- Ornidazole – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. Sciencedirectcom [Internet]. 2018; Available from
Authors
Pranathi is a final year Pharm D student at Chalapathi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. She loves learning and applying her knowledge in pharmacy and has a passion for writing, which allows her to express ideas clearly and creatively. She enjoys combining her technical skills with her love for writing and communication to make a meaningful impact. Currently she is working on a research paper about “Consanguineous marriages and its impact on children’s health” which will be published by the end of 2025.