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The ototoxicity of ceftazidime in the chinchilla middle ear
O E Brown1, C G Wright, L B Edwards
1Department of Otolaryngology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75235-9035.
Abstract:
Ceftazidime (Tazicef) is a broad-spectrum cephalosporin antibiotic that may be useful as a topical agent in the treatment of otorrhea. To test the potential ototoxicity of the drug, 0.5 mL of a 10% solution of ceftazidime was introduced into the bullae of 22 chinchillas. The organ of Corti was normal in 20 temporal bones examined at 1 week after administration of the ceftazidime solution. Only 2 of 24 temporal bones examined after 4 weeks showed minor outer hair cell loss of the basal turn of the organ of Corti. Focal hemorrhage and occasional serous effusions were found in the middle ears of all animals after 1 week; these findings had mostly cleared after 4 weeks. Our results indicate that ceftazidime causes reversible middle ear inflammation, and may have some minor ototoxic potential under these experimental conditions.
Insights
Ceftazidime (Tazicef) may be a topical treatment for otorrhea. Studies show it causes temporary middle ear inflammation in chinchillas, with minimal ototoxic potential.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Ceftazidime (Tazicef) is a broad-spectrum cephalosporin antibiotic.
- Its potential use as a topical agent for otorrhea warrants investigation.
- Assessing its ototoxicity is crucial before clinical application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the ototoxicity of ceftazidime when administered topically.
- To determine the effects of ceftazidime on the chinchilla cochlea and middle ear.
Main Methods:
- A 10% ceftazidime solution was introduced into the bullae of 22 chinchillas.
- Temporal bones were examined histologically at 1 week and 4 weeks post-administration.
Main Results:
- The organ of Corti remained normal in most specimens at 1 week.
- Minor outer hair cell loss was observed in only 2 of 24 temporal bones at 4 weeks.
- Reversible middle ear inflammation, including hemorrhage and serous effusions, was noted.
Conclusions:
- Ceftazidime demonstrates reversible middle ear inflammation in this model.
- The antibiotic exhibits minimal ototoxic potential under the tested experimental conditions.
- Further research may explore its therapeutic efficacy for otorrhea with caution.