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Augmented gentamicin ototoxicity induced by vancomycin in guinea pigs
R E Brummett1, K E Fox, F Jacobs
1Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland.
Archives of Otolaryngology--Head & Neck Surgery
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Vancomycin alone did not cause hearing loss in guinea pigs. However, vancomycin significantly increased the ototoxicity of gentamicin, suggesting a dangerous drug interaction.
Area of Science:
- Ototoxicology
- Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Clinical literature suggests vancomycin may be ototoxic, but evidence is conflicting.
- Previous animal studies have not demonstrated vancomycin-induced ototoxicity, even with ototoxicity-potentiating agents.
- Ototoxicity is often reported in patients receiving vancomycin concurrently with aminoglycoside antibiotics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ototoxicity of vancomycin in an animal model.
- To determine if vancomycin potentiates the ototoxic effects of gentamicin.
Main Methods:
- Administration of vancomycin to guinea pigs.
- Concurrent administration of vancomycin and gentamicin to guinea pigs.
- Assessment of ototoxicity in treated guinea pigs.
Main Results:
- Vancomycin administration alone did not result in ototoxicity in guinea pigs.
- Vancomycin significantly enhanced the ototoxicity of gentamicin in guinea pigs.
- No evidence of vancomycin-induced ototoxicity was observed.
Conclusions:
- Vancomycin is not inherently ototoxic in guinea pigs.
- Vancomycin potentiates gentamicin-induced ototoxicity, highlighting a critical drug interaction.
- Clinical caution is advised when co-administering vancomycin and gentamicin.