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Erythromycin ototoxicity
Abstract:
Erythromycin is considered one of the safest antibiotics in common use today. In its otolaryngologic use, the authors have found it effective in treating acute suppurative sinusitis and occasionally otitis media, when combined with sulfonamides. There are few complications of erythromycin administration. Probably the least generally acknowledged of these is ototoxicity. There have been three reports of six cases with ototoxic complications from erythromycin, primarily from administration of its intravenous form. The authors present a case study of an 18 year old girl in severe renal failure, who suffered a reversible sensorineural hearing loss from high doses of an oral erythromycin preparation. The clinical manifestations of this case are compared to those previously reported.
Insights
Erythromycin is a safe antibiotic, but can cause hearing loss (ototoxicity), especially with high oral doses in patients with kidney problems. This hearing loss is usually reversible.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pharmacology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Erythromycin is a widely used antibiotic with a generally favorable safety profile.
- While rare, ototoxicity is a potential complication of erythromycin administration.
- Previous reports of erythromycin-induced ototoxicity primarily involved intravenous administration.
Observation:
- A case study of an 18-year-old female patient with severe renal failure is presented.
- The patient received high doses of an oral erythromycin preparation.
- The patient developed sensorineural hearing loss.
Findings:
- The patient's hearing loss was determined to be sensorineural.
- The ototoxic effects were associated with high-dose oral erythromycin in the context of renal failure.
- The hearing loss was reversible upon discontinuation of the medication.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for ototoxicity from oral erythromycin, particularly in patients with impaired renal function.
- Clinicians should be aware of this rare but serious side effect and monitor hearing in at-risk patients.
- Further research may be warranted to elucidate the mechanisms and risk factors for erythromycin-induced ototoxicity.