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Can Doxycycline Cause Hearing Loss?
Question: Hi,
I developed tinnitus about 28 months ago after taken doxycycline. I noticed a pressure in my ears and throat and a tinnitus that hasn't left since. I had a hearing test which found my hearing in a few tones was a little off. I have conditioned to it over the years. Recently I was prescribed erythromycin for hair folliculitus. I told the doctor I had this problem with the doxy but he said this one shouldn't cause any issues. I haven't any noticeable hearing loss or ear pressure this time but it has exaccerbated my tinnitus two to three fold. From some of my reading this is quite common with tinnitus sufferers and generally subsides when the medicine is discontinued. I was wondering if you have any experience with this and if so whether to stop taking the medicine or whether you know of a better alternative. I can tell the doxycycline was ototoxic through the pressure in my ears but haven't experience this with the the current antibiotics.
I developed tinnitus about 28 months ago after taken doxycycline. I noticed a pressure in my ears and throat and a tinnitus that hasn't left since. I had a hearing test which found my hearing in a few tones was a little off. I have conditioned to it over the years. Recently I was prescribed erythromycin for hair folliculitus. I told the doctor I had this problem with the doxy but he said this one shouldn't cause any issues. I haven't any noticeable hearing loss or ear pressure this time but it has exaccerbated my tinnitus two to three fold. From some of my reading this is quite common with tinnitus sufferers and generally subsides when the medicine is discontinued. I was wondering if you have any experience with this and if so whether to stop taking the medicine or whether you know of a better alternative. I can tell the doxycycline was ototoxic through the pressure in my ears but haven't experience this with the the current antibiotics.
Brief Answer:
Both drug are ototoxic drug
Detailed Answer:
Hi Sir,
I have gone through your query; and for your kind information both drug are ototoxic drug, better to stop these medicine. Usually the first sign of ototoxic medication is ringing in the ears (tinnitus). Over time, you may also develop hearing loss but this hearing loss may go unnoticed initially.
Therefore Instead of erythromycin, I personally suggest that you may take combination of amoxycillin and clavulinic acid for your folliculitis after consulting with your doctor.
Thanks
Wish you good health
Both drug are ototoxic drug
Detailed Answer:
Hi Sir,
I have gone through your query; and for your kind information both drug are ototoxic drug, better to stop these medicine. Usually the first sign of ototoxic medication is ringing in the ears (tinnitus). Over time, you may also develop hearing loss but this hearing loss may go unnoticed initially.
Therefore Instead of erythromycin, I personally suggest that you may take combination of amoxycillin and clavulinic acid for your folliculitis after consulting with your doctor.
Thanks
Wish you good health
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Ok thanks Dr XXXXXXX
Will cease taking them. Have you any knowledge of medications exacerbating existing tinnitus. I did forget to mention I took erythromycin for a few weeks earlier this year. It exacerbated it while using it but then returned to its baseline after a few week of discontinuation. What are your thoughts on this. Do you believe that will happen again as a little worried that I've loudened it permanently.
Thanks
XXXX
Will cease taking them. Have you any knowledge of medications exacerbating existing tinnitus. I did forget to mention I took erythromycin for a few weeks earlier this year. It exacerbated it while using it but then returned to its baseline after a few week of discontinuation. What are your thoughts on this. Do you believe that will happen again as a little worried that I've loudened it permanently.
Thanks
XXXX
Brief Answer:
Medications exacerbating existing tinnitus
Detailed Answer:
Hi Sir,
I have gone through your follow up query; and providing the list of most commonly used medications that cause tinnitus, or aggravate an already existing problem are:
• Aminoglycosides --> amikacin ,gentamycin,kanamycin, neomycin,netilmicin, streptomycin,tobramycin, erythromycin, vancomycin,minocycline.
Diuretics--> acetazolamide, bumetanide, bendrofluazide, clorothalidone, diapamide, ethacrynic acid, furosemide, hydrochlorthiazide, methylchlorthizide
Cardiac Medications--> celiprolol, flecainide, lidocaine, metoprolol, procainamide.
Quinine--> chloroquine phosphate, quinacrine hydrochloride, quinine sulfate
Mucosal Protectant--> misoprostol
Narcotic Analgesics-->hydrocodone.
Psychopharmacologic Agents--> amitryptiline, alprazolam, clorazepate, chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, flurazepam, lorazepam, midazolam, oxazepam, prozepam, quazepam, temazepam, triazolam
Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs --> asprin, acematacine, benorilate, benoxaprofen, carprofen, diclofenac, diflunisal, fenoprofen, feprazon, ibuprofen, indomethacin, isoxicam, ketoprofen, methyl salicylates, naproxen, rofecoxib, salicylates
Glucocorticosteroids-->prednisolone
Toxic Substances -->alcohol, caffeine,lead, marijuana, nicotine
I personally advised to discontinue the use of above mention medicine if you have and regular use may cause persistent tinnitus. Initially it may returns to baseline after discontinuation of the drug but repeatedly use may cause loudened it permanently.
Thanks
Medications exacerbating existing tinnitus
Detailed Answer:
Hi Sir,
I have gone through your follow up query; and providing the list of most commonly used medications that cause tinnitus, or aggravate an already existing problem are:
• Aminoglycosides --> amikacin ,gentamycin,kanamycin, neomycin,netilmicin, streptomycin,tobramycin, erythromycin, vancomycin,minocycline.
Diuretics--> acetazolamide, bumetanide, bendrofluazide, clorothalidone, diapamide, ethacrynic acid, furosemide, hydrochlorthiazide, methylchlorthizide
Cardiac Medications--> celiprolol, flecainide, lidocaine, metoprolol, procainamide.
Quinine--> chloroquine phosphate, quinacrine hydrochloride, quinine sulfate
Mucosal Protectant--> misoprostol
Narcotic Analgesics-->hydrocodone.
Psychopharmacologic Agents--> amitryptiline, alprazolam, clorazepate, chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, flurazepam, lorazepam, midazolam, oxazepam, prozepam, quazepam, temazepam, triazolam
Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs --> asprin, acematacine, benorilate, benoxaprofen, carprofen, diclofenac, diflunisal, fenoprofen, feprazon, ibuprofen, indomethacin, isoxicam, ketoprofen, methyl salicylates, naproxen, rofecoxib, salicylates
Glucocorticosteroids-->prednisolone
Toxic Substances -->alcohol, caffeine,lead, marijuana, nicotine
I personally advised to discontinue the use of above mention medicine if you have and regular use may cause persistent tinnitus. Initially it may returns to baseline after discontinuation of the drug but repeatedly use may cause loudened it permanently.
Thanks
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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