ornidazole

Ornidazole is a synthetic nitroimidazole derivative and small molecule antiprotozoal and antibacterial agent. It is primarily used to treat infections caused by anaerobic bacteria and protozoa, including trichomoniasis, amebiasis (intestinal and hepatic), giardiasis, bacterial vaginosis, and other susceptible parasitic or bacterial infections. Ornidazole is also used prophylactically to prevent such infections during surgical procedures[1][2][5][6]. Its mechanism of action involves reduction of its nitro group within microbial cells to generate cytotoxic intermediates that interact with DNA, disrupting the helical structure and inhibiting protein synthesis—ultimately leading to cell death in susceptible organisms[5][6]. The drug demonstrates activity against Giardia intestinalis, Entamoeba histolytica, Trichomonas vaginalis, as well as various anaerobic bacteria. Ornidazole is rapidly absorbed orally (bioavailability ~90%), widely distributed in body tissues including cerebrospinal fluid, metabolized in the liver with a half-life of about 13 hours, and excreted mainly via urine as metabolites[5][6].

Brand names

Arrow-OrnidazoleOrnazole

Other names

Ornidazole