Ornidazole-induced involuntary tremor in a Chinese woman: a rare case report and literature review

Nitromidazole antibiotics, exemplified by metronidazole and ornidazole, have been reported to trigger a spectrum of adverse effects. These encompass ataxia, hearing loss, visual impairment, psychomotor dysfunction, intellectual impairment, and epileptic seizures (Rinsho Shinkeigaku 64:637-641, 2024). Nevertheless, cases of involuntary limb tremors have been scarcely documented. Ornidazole, the most recent derivative within this class, boasts a longer half - life and is infrequently linked to limb tremors. This article reports a 63-year-old female patient who developed progressive limb tremors following long-term, high-dose administration of ornidazole, with symptoms gradually alleviating after discontinuation of the drug.