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Updated: Oct 15, 2025

Trans-Tympanic Drug Delivery for the Treatment of Ototoxicity
Published on: March 16, 2018
A scoping review of global aminoglycoside antibiotic overuse: A potential opportunity for primary ototoxicity
Lauren K Dillard1, Cecilia Z Wu2, James E Saunders3
1Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
Background:
Aminoglycosides are widely used, broad-spectrum antibiotics with significant potential for ototoxicity. Global efforts to prevent ototoxicity must account for aminoglycoside overuse and non-prescription use.
Objectives:
The goals of this study were to a) estimate the prevalence of aminoglycoside overuse by synthesizing evidence on self-medication, over the counter (OTC) availability, and household antibiotic storage for later use, and to report the specific aminoglycosides used and the predictors of overuse, and b) leverage this information to comment on potential risk of ototoxicity.
Methods:
Two systematic search strings were conducted to extract peer-reviewed articles published from 2005 to 2020. The first focused on overuse of aminoglycoside antibiotics. The second focused on potentially ototoxic effects of aminoglycosides related to drug overuse.
Results:
A total of 26 articles were included (first search string: n = 21; second search string: n = 5). The prevalence of aminoglycoside self-medication was high and household storage and OTC availability of aminoglycosides was common. Gentamicin was the most commonly overused aminoglycoside. No studies provided information on antibiotic dosing or resultant toxicities, including ototoxicity.
Conclusions:
The limited available evidence indicates that antibiotic overuse (self-medication, home storage, and non-prescription availability) is relatively common, especially in low resource settings, and that aminoglycoside antibiotics comprise a variable, but concerning, proportion of non-prescribed antibiotics. Additional evidence is needed to evaluate the relationship between these dispensing patterns and ototoxicity.
Insights
Aminoglycoside antibiotic overuse, including self-medication and non-prescription access, is common globally. This widespread use raises concerns about potential ototoxicity, necessitating further research.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Global Health
- Antibiotic Stewardship
Background:
- Aminoglycosides are broad-spectrum antibiotics with a high risk of ototoxicity.
- Global health initiatives must address the overuse and non-prescription use of these drugs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the prevalence of aminoglycoside overuse, including self-medication, over-the-counter (OTC) availability, and household storage.
- To identify specific aminoglycosides overused and predictors of overuse.
- To assess the potential risk of ototoxicity associated with aminoglycoside overuse.
Main Methods:
- Conducted systematic literature searches for peer-reviewed articles published between 2005 and 2020.
- Focused searches on aminoglycoside antibiotic overuse and ototoxic effects related to overuse.
- Synthesized evidence from 26 included articles.
Main Results:
- High prevalence of aminoglycoside self-medication, household storage, and OTC availability was observed.
- Gentamicin was the most frequently overused aminoglycoside.
- No studies reported on antibiotic dosing or resultant toxicities, including ototoxicity.
Conclusions:
- Antibiotic overuse, particularly in low-resource settings, is common, with aminoglycosides forming a significant portion of non-prescribed antibiotics.
- Further research is required to establish the link between current dispensing patterns and ototoxicity.
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