Medicines that can cause tinnitus
Content provided by Healthwise
Medicines that can cause tinnitus
Many prescription and nonprescription medicines can cause ringing in the ears (tinnitus). Recently starting or increasing the dosage of some medicines increases the chance that tinnitus will occur. The side effects caused by medicines vary from person to person.
Medicines that commonly cause tinnitus or make tinnitus worse include:
- ACE inhibitors, such as captopril (Capoten) and ramipril (Altace).
- Antibiotics, such as gentamicin, neomycin, and streptomycin.
- Antidepressant medicines, such as amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (for example, Pamelor).
- Anti-inflammatory medicines, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.
- Birth control pills (oral contraceptives).
- Blood pressure medicine, such as captopril (Capoten) and ramipril (Altace)
- Heart medicines, such as nifedipine, quinidine (for example, Quinaglute), propranolol (for example, Inderal), and verapamil.
- Local anesthetic agents, such as bupivacaine, lidocaine, and procaine.
- Medicines used to treat cancer, such as cisplatin or taxol.
- Medicine used to treat Parkinson's disease, such as levodopa.
- Radiation therapy to the head or neck.
- Vitamins or mineral supplements, such as niacin or vitamin A.
- Water pills (diuretics), such as bumetanide (Bumex) and furosemide (Lasix).
Credits
| Author | Jan Nissl, RN, BS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Donald R. Mintz, MD - Otolaryngology |
| Last Updated | February 13, 2008 |
| Last updated: | February 13, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS |
| Reviewed By: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Donald R. Mintz, MD - Otolaryngology |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer |
© 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.
Search
Where Does it Hurt?
If you're experiencing aches and pains we can help you find answers. Find out what your symptoms mean for your health.
