Which medication can cause ototoxicity as a side effect?

Which medication can cause ototoxicity as a side effect?

• A. Aspirin
• B. Furosemide
• C. Warfarin
• D. Lisinopril

Answer: (B)

Furosemide is known to cause ototoxicity as a side effect, especially when given in high doses or administered rapidly intravenously. Ototoxicity refers to damage to the ears, specifically the inner ear or auditory pathways, which can lead to hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), or balance issues due to its impact on the auditory and vestibular functions of the inner ear. Furosemide is a loop diuretic, and while it is effective for managing conditions such as heart failure and edema, monitoring for signs of hearing changes is essential during its use, particularly in patients who may already have renal impairment or are receiving concurrent ototoxic medications. Other medications listed, although they have their own side effects, are not typically associated with ototoxicity. For example, aspirin can cause tinnitus in high doses but is not classified as ototoxic in the same way. Warfarin is an anticoagulant, and lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor; neither of these is linked to ototoxic effects.

Furosemide is known to cause ototoxicity as a side effect, especially when given in high doses or administered rapidly intravenously. Ototoxicity refers to damage to the ears, specifically the inner ear or auditory pathways, which can lead to hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), or balance issues due to its impact on the auditory and vestibular functions of the inner ear. Furosemide is a loop diuretic, and while it is effective for managing conditions such as heart failure and edema, monitoring for signs of hearing changes is essential during its use, particularly in patients who may already have renal impairment or are receiving concurrent ototoxic medications.

Other medications listed, although they have their own side effects, are not typically associated with ototoxicity. For example, aspirin can cause tinnitus in high doses but is not classified as ototoxic in the same way. Warfarin is an anticoagulant, and lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor; neither of these is linked to ototoxic effects.