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Ofloxacin + Ornidazole

Fluoroquinolone · Antibiotic (Broad-spectrum), Antiprotozoal

Also known as O2, Oflomac-OZ, Norflox-TZ, Ornof, Ornigyl OF, Zanocin OZ

FluoroquinoloneAntibiotic (Broad-spectrum), AntiprotozoalATC J01MA01 (Ofloxacin), P01AB03 (Ornidazole)
CDSCO approvedSchedule HATC J01MA01 (Ofloxacin), P01AB03 (Ornidazole)
Pharmacokineticsplasma · t hours
1hONSET1.5hPEAK6.5h18hDURATION
ONSET
1h · Ofloxacin: 0.5-1.5 hours; Ornidazole: 0.5-2 hours
PEAK
1.5h · Ofloxacin: 1-2 hours; Ornidazole: 1-2 hours
6.5h · Ofloxacin: ~5-8 hours; Ornidazole: ~12-14 hours
DURATION
18h · Ofloxacin: ~12-24 hours; Ornidazole: ~12-24 hours
EXCRETION
not curated
INTERACTIONS
none in our sources
PREGNANCY
Category C/D (Ofloxacin) and B/C (Ornidazole). Generally not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, due to potential teratogenic and adverse effects on fetal cartilage development (with ofloxacin).
FDA category + note

Mechanism

Ofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone, inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, preventing DNA replication and transcription. Ornidazole, a nitroimidazole, enters anaerobic cells and protozoa, where it is reduced to reactive intermediates that damage DNA and other macromolecules. This combination provides broad-spectrum bactericidal activity against aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, as well as protozoa, making it effective against mixed infections. Combination rationale: This FDC is rational due to the synergistic activity of its components, providing a broad spectrum of coverage against both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, as well as protozoal infections. It is particularly useful for treating mixed infections common in conditions like acute infective diarrhea, intra-abdominal infections, and gynaecological infections, reducing the need for multiple drugs.

Indications

Mixed bacterial and protozoal infectionsAcute diarrhea and dysentery of bacterial and amoebic originGynaecological infectionsSurgical prophylaxisIntra-abdominal infectionsUrinary tract infections (complicated)Dental infections

Dosing

Adult
Oral: Ofloxacin 200 mg + Ornidazole 500 mg, twice daily for 5-7 days, depending on the severity and type of infection. Common strengths available are 200mg+500mg and 400mg+500mg (Ofloxacin + Ornidazole).
Pediatric
Not generally recommended for children under 12 years due to potential cartilage damage with fluoroquinolones. For older children/adolescents in specific severe indications, consult a pediatrician for weight-based dosing.
Renal adjustment
Creatinine Clearance (CrCl) 20-50 mL/min: Administer usual dose every 24 hours. CrCl < 20 mL/min: Administer half of the usual dose every 24 hours. Both ofloxacin and ornidazole are significantly excreted via the kidneys.
Hepatic adjustment
Use with caution in severe hepatic impairment; dose reduction may be required for both components due to altered metabolism and excretion. Monitor liver function closely.
Geriatric
No specific dose adjustment for elderly patients based on age alone, but caution should be exercised due to potential age-related decrease in renal function. Dose reduction may be necessary if renal impairment is present.
Max dose
Ofloxacin: 400 mg/day; Ornidazole: 1000 mg/day (when used in combination as 200mg+500mg BD).

Pharmacokinetics

Onset
Ofloxacin: 0.5-1.5 hours; Ornidazole: 0.5-2 hours
Peak effect
Ofloxacin: 1-2 hours; Ornidazole: 1-2 hours
Duration
Ofloxacin: ~12-24 hours; Ornidazole: ~12-24 hours
Half-life
Ofloxacin: ~5-8 hours; Ornidazole: ~12-14 hours
Bioavailability
Ofloxacin: ~98% (oral); Ornidazole: >90% (oral)
Protein binding
Ofloxacin: ~10-15%; Ornidazole: <20%
Metabolism
Ofloxacin: Minimally metabolized (<5%) in the liver; Ornidazole: Extensively metabolized in the liver via hydroxylation, oxidation, and glucuronidation.
Excretion
Ofloxacin: Primarily renal (70-80% unchanged drug); Ornidazole: Renal (~60% as metabolites, ~4% unchanged drug) and fecal (<10%)

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to ofloxacin, ornidazole, other quinolones, or nitroimidazole derivatives
  • Epilepsy or other CNS disorders (e.g., history of seizures, multiple sclerosis)
  • Pregnancy (especially first trimester)
  • Lactation
  • Children below 12 years (or below a certain weight)
  • Tendinitis or tendon rupture associated with fluoroquinolone use

Side effects

Common
NauseaVomitingDiarrheaAbdominal painHeadacheDizzinessInsomniaMetallic taste (Ornidazole)Loss of appetite
Serious
  • QT prolongation
  • Tendonitis or tendon rupture (Ofloxacin)
  • Peripheral neuropathy
  • CNS effects (seizures, confusion, hallucinations)
  • Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD)
  • Pseudomembranous colitis
  • Photosensitivity reactions
  • Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis, angioedema)
  • Hepatotoxicity
  • Blood dyscrasias

Pregnancy & lactation

Pregnancy

Category C/D (Ofloxacin) and B/C (Ornidazole). Generally not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, due to potential teratogenic and adverse effects on fetal cartilage development (with ofloxacin).

Lactation

Both ofloxacin and ornidazole are excreted into breast milk. Ofloxacin may affect developing cartilage in infants, and ornidazole may have potential mutagenic effects. Therefore, this FDC is not recommended during breastfeeding.

Related guidelines

Other Fluoroquinolone drugs

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