Practolol and deafness

Practolol ('Eraldin') is a beta-blocking agent whose prolonged use may result in the appearance of untoward side-effects, notably ocular symptoms, skin rashes and deafness. We report ten cases of deafness due, or thought to be due, to practolol; and in all except three of the cases (8,9 and 10), the deafness became manifest many months after the appearance of lesions in the skin and eyes. Progression of any hearing loss caused by this drug seems to be arrested by its withdrawal. Otologists are urged to report any suspicious cases to the Committee on Safety of Medicines, Finsbury Square House, 33/37A Finsbury Square, London EC2A IPP.