Drugs and Medications that are Ototoxic

Virtually every drug and medication – doctor prescribed or over-the-counter – has a related list of possible side effects (many of which can be very significant). Were you aware that some medications can cause balance problems or hearing loss? These drugs and medications are in wide use, and they’re referred to as ototoxic. Ototoxic drugs include both doctor prescribed or over-the-counter drugs that can damage your hearing and alter your balance. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASLHA), there are more than 200 known medications that may cause temporary or permanent hearing loss and even balance disorders. Quite a few of these ototoxic drugs are in common use, and you’ve most likely heard their names and may even be taking them.

• Salicylates – Every day pain relievers such as aspirin or aspirin-containing medications contain Salicylates. Tinnitus and hearing loss can be a result of high daily doses (8 or more pills per day) of medicines containing salicylates. Thankfully, the adverse effects disappear once the medication containing the salicylates is stopped.
• Loop Diuretics – These are typically used in the management of certain kidney conditions, high blood pressure, and heart failure. Potential side effects are tinnitus and hearing loss that you may or may not even notice.
• NSAIDs – Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(known as NSAIDs) can lead to temporary hearing loss and a ringing in the ears in high doses.A couple of widely used NSAIDs are naproxen and ibuprofen.
• Chemotherapy Drugs – Powerful medicines such as cisplatin, bleomycin, carboplatin and cyclophosphamide are used to treat cancer, but can cause permanent hearing damage. If you have any hearing or balance changes while taking your chemotherapy medications, consult your oncologist.
• Aminoglycoside Antibiotics – Streptomycin, gentamicin, neomycin, amikacin and kanamycin are just some of the types of aminoglycoside antibiotics prescribed to treat bacterial infections. Complications arise when these drugs generate free radicals, which can destroy the inner ear. Pregnant women should be mindful of possible congenital deafness from taking aminoglycosides during pregnancy.

Increased dosage and/or mixing of these ototoxic medications can increase the risks, but always consult your doctor before adjusting or discontinuing any prescription drugs. To protect your hearing health, talk to your physician for alternatives to known ototoxic medications; if they cannot be avoided, make sure you are taking the appropriate dose precisely as directed.