Drugs inducing hearing loss, tinnitus, dizziness and vertigo: an updated guide

Abstract

Objective: The awareness of audio-vestibular side effects of drugs, such as hearing loss, tinnitus, dizziness and vertigo, has widely increased in the recent years. The present guide represents an update of the previous documents published by the authors in 2005 and 2011 on drug-induced ototoxicity and vestibulotoxicity.

Materials and methods: The authors performed a comprehensive analysis of audio-vestibular side effects of commercially available drugs based on the British National Formulary, a pharmaceutical reference book that contains a wide range of useful information and advice on prescription and pharmacology.

Results: Commercially available drugs and their active principles have been classified based on their audio-vestibular side effects, as reported by the pharmaceutical companies and/or health agencies. Drugs have been categorized based on the field of application, the therapeutic indication and the pharmacological properties.

Conclusions: General practitioners, otolaryngology, neurology and audiology specialists should be aware of possible audio-vestibular side effects of drugs, such as hearing loss, tinnitus, dizziness and vertigo. The present guide represents a practical tool to rapidly identify potential audio-vestibular side effects of drugs as reported by the pharmaceutical companies and/or health agencies.