Hi Doctor,
In 1990, I developed a case of Bacterial Endocarditis. I later had to have open heart surgery to repair my Mitrol value caused by the infection. The treating physician percribed two drugs to kill the bacteria. Vancomycin and Penicillian. I developed a reaction to Vancomycin and had to finish the drug protocol using Penicillian. From the time of recovery until today I have had constant ringing in my ears.
I was told by my family internist that this was a side affect of the prescribed drug theropy. On very rare occasions I enjoyed a moment of relief, not knowing why, wondering if there is somethhing I could do to find relief. Please provide me your advise on what I could pursue to find relief, if possible.
Thanks,
Reply: ---------------------
A recent comprehensive review of ototoxicity (hearing or balance dysfunction caused by medication) was published in The Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America in October, 1993. An entire chapter was devoted to the topic of vancomycin ototoxicity. It was concluded that there is no convincing evidence that vancomycin is permanently ototoxic. In experimental animals, large doses of vancomycin given alone do not cause permanent inner ear damage. It has been postulated that vancomycin might however potentiate the ototoxicity of other drugs. Penicillin is not considered ototoxic. It is possible that you may have received other medications during your illness that might have been ototoxic.
I would recommend an evaluation by an otolaryngologist or at the very least an audiometric study (formal hearing test) to further evaluate your complaint of tinnitus.
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Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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