Ototoxic medications can be lethal for your ears. They might possibly cause damage to your hearing ability. They can also result into tinnitus and dizziness.

Ototoxic medications have been in use since 1944. Ototoxicity came into limelight only after the discovery of streptomycin medication. Streptomycin, an ototoxic medication was popularly used for curing tuberculosis. Although it played a great role in curing tuberculosis, the treatment accompanied with it several side effects like cochlear and vestibular dysfunction.

Ototoxic medications differ from other conventional medication in the way it reacts after consumption. It leads to the rise of free radicals which destroys healthy hair cells and neutrons. The free radical damage is connected to the cochlea or vestibular structures, which is why individuals usually experience hearing loss, tinnitus and other symptoms once the medication period is completed.

Below are a few lists of medications that can cause toxic effects upon consumption.

Salicylates – Aspirin and aspirin containing products

One will experience toxic effects after 6-8 pills (daily) of consumption. The effects will be reversed once the medication is stopped.

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS)

Much like salicylates, one will experience toxic effects after 6-8 pills (daily) of consumption. Over here the effects will be reversed once the medication is stopped.

Antibiotics – Aminoglycosides, Erythromycin, Vancomycin

These medications can have lift threatening implications. The patient is usually monitored while on medication in order to prevent ototoxicity. Vancomycin is usually taken along with aminoglycosides, which further increases the possibility of ototoxicity.

Loop Diuretics – Lasix, Endecrin, Bumex

Generally ototoxic, they are given to individuals with acute problems. The cases of ototoxicity are care with these medications.

Chemotherapy Agents

They are generally used for the treatment of cancer. These medications have toxic effects which can be reduced by serial audiograms and other remedies.

Quinine

Just like salicylates, once the medication is stopped, the toxic effects of quinine are reduced.

Tinnitus on one or both the ears, increase in sound problems, constant pressure on the ears and development of vertigo are the common symptoms of ototoxicity. One needs to stop the medications immediately upon experiencing any of these symptoms.

It is always advisable to look at the labels, and have complete knowledge about the side-effects before starting off any medication.

Antidepressants is one such medication which is not ototoxic, however, it can worsen the problem of tinnitus amongst some people.

If you are taking any kind of ototoxic medication, then you should be monitoring your condition frequently.

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