ototoxic drug
Quick Summary
Ototoxic drugs are substances that can harm the organs or nerves involved in hearing and balance. These drugs can lead to temporary or permanent impairment of auditory nerve function.12
Examples of ototoxic drugs include:
* Salicylates like aspirin, which can cause temporary ringing in the ears and decreased hearing that resolves after stopping the medication.2
* Quinine, which may cause similar effects but can sometimes lead to permanent auditory nerve damage.2
* Certain antibiotics, such as streptomycin, dihydrostreptomycin, neomycin, and kanamycin, which can cause permanent damage to auditory nerve function.2
Individual susceptibility to these effects varies greatly. While most ototoxic drugs primarily affect the auditory nerve, streptomycin can also impact the vestibular nerve, which is responsible for balance.2
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