Ototoxicity refers to the potential of certain medications to cause damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, leading to hearing loss or balance problems. Ototoxic drugs are medications that have been identified as having the potential to cause ototoxicity. It is important for patients to be aware of these drugs and their potential side effects on hearing and balance.

Category : Ototoxicity en | Sub Category : Ototoxic Drugs List Posted on 2023-07-07 21:24:53

Ototoxicity refers to the potential of certain medications to cause damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, leading to hearing loss or balance problems. Ototoxic drugs are medications that have been identified as having the potential to cause ototoxicity. It is important for patients to be aware of these drugs and their potential side effects on hearing and balance.

Here is a list of some common ototoxic drugs:

1. Aminoglycoside antibiotics: This group of antibiotics, including gentamicin, tobramycin, and amikacin, are known to be ototoxic and can cause permanent hearing loss.

2. Loop diuretics: Some diuretics, such as furosemide (Lasix), can cause ototoxicity, particularly when given at high doses or in combination with other ototoxic drugs.

3. Chemotherapy drugs: Certain chemotherapy medications, like cisplatin and carboplatin, can cause damage to the inner ear and hearing loss as a side effect of treatment.

4. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): High doses of NSAIDs like aspirin and ibuprofen can have ototoxic effects, especially when taken for prolonged periods.

5. Quinine: This medication, commonly used to treat malaria and sometimes as a muscle relaxant, is known to cause ototoxicity and hearing loss.

6. Antimalarial drugs: Some antimalarial medications, such as chloroquine and mefloquine, may have ototoxic effects.

7. Salicylates: Salicylates, including aspirin, can have ototoxic effects when taken in high doses or for a long time.

8. Cisplatin: This chemotherapy drug is known to cause significant ototoxicity, leading to permanent hearing loss in some patients.

It is important to note that not everyone taking these medications will experience ototoxic side effects, and the severity of the effects can vary. However, patients should be aware of the potential risks and discuss any concerns with their healthcare provider. Monitoring of hearing and balance may be necessary when taking ototoxic drugs, and in some cases, alternative medications may be considered to minimize the risk of ototoxicity.