Pentoxifylline uses in inner ear diseases

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Pharmacology
• Clinical Research

Background:

• Inner ear disorders, including hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo, are common but lack approved treatments.
• Pentoxifylline (PTX) has been investigated for cochlear and vestibular conditions, but its efficacy and safety require systematic review.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the efficacy and safety of pentoxifylline (PTX) for inner ear disorders.
• To analyze PTX's impact on vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus based on available research.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive search of over a dozen global databases was conducted up to January 2025.
• Included studies focused on PTX's distinct or attributable results in vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus.
• Fifteen randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were among the forty studies analyzed.

Main Results:

• Pentoxifylline demonstrated significant positive outcomes for inner ear vertigo.
• Results for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) were mixed, leaning towards ineffectiveness.
• PTX showed comparable efficacy to Ginkgo biloba and corticosteroids for tinnitus, with mild adverse events.

Conclusions:

• Pentoxifylline may improve inner ear vertigo and tinnitus, but its role in ISSNHL is uncertain.
• The medication exhibits a good safety profile across various regimens.
• Current study designs and rigor limit the ability to form robust treatment recommendations.