Drug-induced taste disorders
Richard L Doty1, Muhammad Shah, Steven M Bromley
1Smell and Taste Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. doty@mail.med.upenn.edu
Drug Safety
|February 28, 2008
Summary
Many medications can cause long-lasting taste disturbances, impacting quality of life and treatment adherence. More research is urgently needed to understand and manage these drug-related chemosensory side effects.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
- Sensory Science
Background:
- Medications can cause significant taste disturbances, affecting quality of life and treatment compliance.
- These drug-induced taste alterations can range from reduced function to phantom tastes and may persist long-term.
- Existing scientific data on the incidence and prevalence of these chemosensory side effects is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review common drug-related taste disturbances.
- To identify major medication classes associated with taste alterations.
- To highlight the need for further research into drug-induced chemosensory dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of drug-related taste disturbances.
- Analysis of medication classes linked to taste alterations.
- Discussion of factors influencing susceptibility and management challenges.
Main Results:
- Antihypertensives, antimicrobials, and antidepressants are among common drug classes causing taste disturbances.
- Individual susceptibility varies based on factors like sex, age, body mass, and genetics.
- Lack of comprehensive data hinders understanding of the true scope of the problem.
Conclusions:
- Drug-related taste disturbances are an under-researched issue with significant patient impact.
- Management strategies are needed, but discontinuing essential medications is often not feasible.
- Increased physician, researcher, and manufacturer awareness is crucial for advancing research and patient care.
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