Which symptom is commonly associated with aminoglycoside-induced ototoxicity?

Which symptom is commonly associated with aminoglycoside-induced ototoxicity?

• A. Tinnitus
• B. Nausea
• C. Rash
• D. Headache

Answer: (A)

Ototoxicity from aminoglycosides often presents with tinnitus as an early and characteristic sign. These drugs can accumulate in the inner ear fluids and damage the sensory hair cells of the cochlea, leading to sensorineural hearing loss, with tinnitus frequently appearing before measurable hearing changes. While nausea, rash, and headache can occur with many medications, they are not specific indicators of inner-ear toxicity. If tinnitus or other hearing changes develop, it’s important to reassess aminoglycoside exposure, including drug levels and renal function, and consider dose adjustment, alternative therapy, and audiometric monitoring to protect hearing.

Ototoxicity from aminoglycosides often presents with tinnitus as an early and characteristic sign. These drugs can accumulate in the inner ear fluids and damage the sensory hair cells of the cochlea, leading to sensorineural hearing loss, with tinnitus frequently appearing before measurable hearing changes. While nausea, rash, and headache can occur with many medications, they are not specific indicators of inner-ear toxicity. If tinnitus or other hearing changes develop, it’s important to reassess aminoglycoside exposure, including drug levels and renal function, and consider dose adjustment, alternative therapy, and audiometric monitoring to protect hearing.