Ornidazole-induced ataxia in an Indian woman: A case report

Kango Gopal Gopinath1, Benny Paul Wilson1, Surekha Viggeswarpu1

  • 1Department of Geriatric Medicine, Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, India.

Insights

Ornidazole, a nitroimidazole antibiotic, can rarely cause cerebellar ataxia. This report details a case where a patient recovered quickly after stopping ornidazole, highlighting this unusual adverse drug reaction.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pharmacology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Nitroimidazole antibiotics, including metronidazole, are known for rare neurological side effects.
  • Ornidazole, a newer derivative, possesses a long half-life and is infrequently associated with cerebellar ataxia.

Observation:

  • A 61-year-old patient presented with symptoms of cerebellar ataxia.
  • The patient's symptoms emerged following ornidazole administration.

Findings:

  • The patient's ataxia was determined to be an adverse event linked to ornidazole.
  • Discontinuation of ornidazole led to a rapid improvement in the patient's neurological symptoms.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the potential for ornidazole to induce cerebellar ataxia, even if rare.
  • Clinicians should consider ornidazole-induced ataxia in patients presenting with relevant neurological deficits.
  • Prompt drug withdrawal is crucial for managing this adverse drug reaction.

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