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Sensorineural hearing loss as a probable serious adverse drug reaction associated with low-dose oral azithromycin

Paul Mick1, Brian D Westerberg

  • 1Division of Otolaryngology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.

The Journal of Otolaryngology
|October 30, 2007
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Azithromycin can cause hearing loss, even at low doses. This study highlights irreversible sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) as a potential serious adverse reaction to low-dose azithromycin.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Otolaryngology
  • Adverse Drug Reactions

Background:

  • The association between azithromycin and hearing loss, particularly sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), has been documented since 1994.
  • Previous reports primarily linked prolonged azithromycin use for Mycobacterium lung disease with mild, reversible SNHL in speech frequencies.

Observation:

  • This report details a case of irreversible SNHL in a patient receiving low-dose oral azithromycin for acute otitis media.
  • A systematic literature review was conducted to evaluate the evidence for SNHL associated with low-dose azithromycin.

Findings:

  • The case study and literature review suggest a potential causal link between low-dose oral azithromycin and irreversible SNHL.
  • This contrasts with previous observations of predominantly mild and reversible hearing impairment.

Implications:

  • Healthcare providers should recognize that even low-dose oral azithromycin may lead to irreversible SNHL.
  • This underscores the importance of considering SNHL as a serious adverse drug reaction to azithromycin, irrespective of dosage or duration.

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