Ototoxic Drug Information

Tinnitus has many causes: loud noise, head injury, acoustic nerve tumors, impacted earwax and ototoxic drugs. Ototoxic drugs (prescription and over-the-counter medications) are injurious or harmful to the ear- especially to the organs or nerves of the ear concerned with hearing and balance. These drugs can affect/worsen existing tinnitus or, in some cases, cause tinnitus as a side effect.

It is important to know which medications are toxic to the ear. Effects, which can depend on the dosage of the medication, can be temporary or permanent. Remember: Before you consider any change in your medication(s) or treatment strategy, consult with your personal physician. Make sure that your prescribing physician is aware of your tinnitus, and discuss alternative medications that may be available. Ask questions, and be sure to mention other medications, supplements and vitamins you currently take.

ATA is pleased to share several avenues where people with tinnitus can learn more about medications and tinnitus. Please note that these resources are designed to be utilized as a conversation tool with your doctor.

Physicians’ Desk Reference:
The publisher of The Physicians’ Desk Reference (PDR) has a list of medications (prescription and over-the-counter drugs) that list tinnitus as a potential side effect. While this list does not detail information about drugs tested specifically on tinnitus patients, it can be a helpful guide when making health care decisions. For your free copy of the "PDR Guide to Drug Interactions, Side Effects, And Indications for Tinnitus," please email tinnitus@ata.org.

The Center for Hearing and Communication:
Formerly known as League for the Hard of Hearing, this organization maintains a listing of drugs that may be harmful to hearing health or exacerbate the negative effects of tinnitus. They have a website where you can get information on medications that may cause hearing loss and tinnitus.

FDA Website:
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration also hosts several websites featuring information about various medications. You can do a search on individual drugs and drugs new to the market through the two links below. The site also has a feature with suggestions of questions to ask your doctor. As someone with tinnitus, you should always ask how any medication prescribed to you may impact your tinnitus and hearing. Also, visit: FDA Consumer Info and FDA Drug Info Links.

FDA Drug Line:
All people with questions about tinnitus and medications can contact the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's drug line at (301) 827-4570. Receive up-to-date information about drug side effects and interactions from pharmacists and medical professionals 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. If you do not reach someone at this number right away, leave a voice message and expect a return call within 48 hours.

NIH Website:
The National Institute of Health also has a website where you can get information on thousands of prescription and over-the-counter generic or name brand medications.

DrugWatch Website:
Up-to-date information about prescriptions and over-the-counter medications and includes details about associated side effects to aid in the protection of patients and consumers. The content on the site may help consumers formulate questions for medical professionals and alert the public about important information regarding potentially dangerous side effects associated with certain medications.

Neil Bauman, Ph.D.:
Dr. Bauman has written an informative article on otoxicity that you can read here. Also, please click here to learn more about his book, “Ototoxic Drugs Exposed: 3rd Edition”.

Contact tinnitus@ata.org for the latest information on ototoxic drugs for your reference.