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Related Experiment Videos

Irreversible sensorineural hearing loss due to clarithromycin.

J Coulston1, N Balaratnam

  • 1Royal Gwent Hospital, Cardiff Road, Newport NP20 2UB, UK. jamescoulston@hotmail.com

Postgraduate Medical Journal
|January 11, 2005
PubMed
Summary

This case study reports irreversible sensorineural deafness in an elderly woman after low-dose clarithromycin (an advanced macrolide antibiotic). This severe side effect, previously unreported, highlights potential risks even with short-term use.

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Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Clarithromycin, an advanced macrolide antibiotic, is frequently prescribed for respiratory infections.
  • Reversible sensorineural deafness has been documented as a rare side effect of macrolides, often dose-dependent.
  • The proposed mechanism involves transient outer hair cell dysfunction.

Observation:

  • An 81-year-old woman developed right-sided sensorineural deafness.
  • The onset occurred shortly after initiating low-dose oral clarithromycin for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation.
  • Hearing loss persisted despite drug cessation after only three days.

Findings:

  • The patient experienced irreversible sensorineural deafness.
  • This outcome contrasts with previously reported reversible cases.

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  • The association with low-dose, short-term clarithromycin use is a novel observation.

    • Implications:

    • This case suggests that irreversible hearing loss may be a potential adverse effect of clarithromycin, even at low doses and short durations.
    • Further investigation into the ototoxic potential of clarithromycin is warranted.
    • Clinicians should be aware of this rare but severe potential side effect in patients, particularly the elderly.