What medications can cause ringing in the ears 2024?
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Oliver Johnson
Works at the International Development Association, Lives in Washington, D.C., USA.
Hello, I'm Dr. Smith, an audiologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of hearing and balance disorders. It's important to understand that ringing in the ears, also known as tinnitus, is a common symptom with numerous potential causes, including medications. While it's not possible to list every medication that can cause tinnitus, I can discuss some of the most common culprits and their associated mechanisms.
Antibiotics:
* Aminoglycosides: These antibiotics, including gentamicin, tobramycin, and streptomycin, are notorious for their ototoxicity, meaning they can damage the inner ear, leading to hearing loss and tinnitus. The mechanism involves disrupting the function of hair cells in the cochlea, which are responsible for converting sound waves into electrical signals.
* Quinolones: Medications like ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin have been linked to tinnitus as a side effect. The exact mechanism is unclear, but it may involve interference with mitochondrial function in the inner ear.
**Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs):**
* Aspirin: High doses of aspirin can cause tinnitus, particularly in individuals with pre-existing hearing loss. The mechanism is believed to involve increased levels of reactive oxygen species, which can damage inner ear cells.
* Ibuprofen and naproxen: While less common than aspirin, these NSAIDs can also contribute to tinnitus. The mechanism is likely similar to aspirin, involving oxidative stress in the inner ear.
Diuretics:
* Loop diuretics: Medications like furosemide and bumetanide, commonly used for conditions like heart failure and high blood pressure, can cause tinnitus. This effect is thought to be related to their impact on fluid balance and electrolyte levels, which can indirectly affect the inner ear.
Anti-malarial Drugs:
* Quinine: A common anti-malarial medication, quinine is well-known for its ability to induce tinnitus. The mechanism is unclear, but it may involve interference with the function of hair cells in the inner ear.
Other Medications:
* Chemotherapy drugs: Certain chemotherapy medications can damage the inner ear and cause tinnitus.
* Anti-depressants: Some antidepressants, like **selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)**, have been associated with tinnitus, although it's typically a milder side effect.
* Anti-anxiety medications: Benzodiazepines, like diazepam and alprazolam, can cause tinnitus, particularly at higher doses.
Important Considerations:
* Dosage: The likelihood of developing tinnitus from a medication is often related to the dosage.
* Individual Sensitivity: Some individuals are more susceptible to medication-induced tinnitus than others.
* Pre-existing conditions: People with pre-existing hearing loss or other ear conditions may be more prone to experiencing tinnitus as a side effect of medications.
**If you experience tinnitus after starting a new medication, it's crucial to talk to your doctor.** They can help determine if the medication is the cause and discuss potential alternatives or adjustments to your treatment plan.
Remember, this is not an exhaustive list, and other medications can contribute to tinnitus. It's always best to discuss any concerns with your doctor or pharmacist.
Antibiotics:
* Aminoglycosides: These antibiotics, including gentamicin, tobramycin, and streptomycin, are notorious for their ototoxicity, meaning they can damage the inner ear, leading to hearing loss and tinnitus. The mechanism involves disrupting the function of hair cells in the cochlea, which are responsible for converting sound waves into electrical signals.
* Quinolones: Medications like ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin have been linked to tinnitus as a side effect. The exact mechanism is unclear, but it may involve interference with mitochondrial function in the inner ear.
**Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs):**
* Aspirin: High doses of aspirin can cause tinnitus, particularly in individuals with pre-existing hearing loss. The mechanism is believed to involve increased levels of reactive oxygen species, which can damage inner ear cells.
* Ibuprofen and naproxen: While less common than aspirin, these NSAIDs can also contribute to tinnitus. The mechanism is likely similar to aspirin, involving oxidative stress in the inner ear.
Diuretics:
* Loop diuretics: Medications like furosemide and bumetanide, commonly used for conditions like heart failure and high blood pressure, can cause tinnitus. This effect is thought to be related to their impact on fluid balance and electrolyte levels, which can indirectly affect the inner ear.
Anti-malarial Drugs:
* Quinine: A common anti-malarial medication, quinine is well-known for its ability to induce tinnitus. The mechanism is unclear, but it may involve interference with the function of hair cells in the inner ear.
Other Medications:
* Chemotherapy drugs: Certain chemotherapy medications can damage the inner ear and cause tinnitus.
* Anti-depressants: Some antidepressants, like **selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)**, have been associated with tinnitus, although it's typically a milder side effect.
* Anti-anxiety medications: Benzodiazepines, like diazepam and alprazolam, can cause tinnitus, particularly at higher doses.
Important Considerations:
* Dosage: The likelihood of developing tinnitus from a medication is often related to the dosage.
* Individual Sensitivity: Some individuals are more susceptible to medication-induced tinnitus than others.
* Pre-existing conditions: People with pre-existing hearing loss or other ear conditions may be more prone to experiencing tinnitus as a side effect of medications.
**If you experience tinnitus after starting a new medication, it's crucial to talk to your doctor.** They can help determine if the medication is the cause and discuss potential alternatives or adjustments to your treatment plan.
Remember, this is not an exhaustive list, and other medications can contribute to tinnitus. It's always best to discuss any concerns with your doctor or pharmacist.
2024-06-16 22:08:26
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Studied at the University of Edinburgh, Lives in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Medications known to cause or worsen tinnitus include:Antibiotics, including polymyxin B, erythromycin, vancomycin and neomycin.Cancer medications, including mechlorethamine and vincristine.Water pills (diuretics), such as bumetanide, ethacrynic acid or furosemide.More items...
2023-04-15 21:37:11
Ethan Carter
QuesHub.com delivers expert answers and knowledge to you.
Medications known to cause or worsen tinnitus include:Antibiotics, including polymyxin B, erythromycin, vancomycin and neomycin.Cancer medications, including mechlorethamine and vincristine.Water pills (diuretics), such as bumetanide, ethacrynic acid or furosemide.More items...
