zithromax and Hearing-Loss--Sensorineural

Topics: Antiviral Agents; Azithromycin; Betacoronavirus; Coronavirus Infections; COVID-19; COVID-19 Drug Treatment; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural; Humans; Hydroxychloroquine; Ototoxicity; Pandemics; Pneumonia, Viral; SARS-CoV-2; Tinnitus; Vertigo

To examine whether short-term use of azithromycin increases the risk of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in adults with uncomplicated infections.. A retrospective cohort study using Medicaid claims data, 1999 to 2010.. Adults (18-64 years old) who had continuous enrollment in Medicaid for the 12 months (baseline) before the date of first dispensation (index date) of oral azithromycin or amoxicillin ± clavulanate for uncomplicated infections.. We operationalized sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) by a charge for audiometry and followed by a diagnosis of SNHL within 30 days.. We adjusted for the baseline covariates through propensity score matching. Adults were followed for up to 120 days after the index date. The hazard of SNHL in azithromycin-exposed adults was compared with those who had amoxicillin ± clavulanate using a Cox proportional hazard model. We performed several sensitivity analyses by varying the follow-up time, SNHL definition, adjusting for cumulative antibiotic use, and switching exposure status during the follow-up period.. A total of 493,774 patients entered the study cohort. The unadjusted incidence rates of SNHL were 38 and 41 cases per 10,000 patient-years following exposure to azithromycin and amoxicillin ± clavulanate, respectively. The adjusted (matched) hazard ratio (HR) of SNHL for azithromycin versus amoxicillin ± clavulanate was 0.91 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.77-1.07). The sensitivity analyses findings were consistent with the primary analysis.. Azithromycin short-term use was not associated with an increased risk of SNHL in comparison to amoxicillin ± clavulanate.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Amoxicillin-Potassium Clavulanate Combination; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Audiometry; Azithromycin; Bacterial Infections; Female; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural; Humans; Incidence; Male; Medicaid; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; United States; Young Adult

Hearing loss as a possible side effect of azithromycin has been recognized since 1994. Most reports suggesting a link between sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and this drug have been in association with prolonged doses for treatment of Mycobacterium lung disease. Mild-moderate, gradual, and reversible SNHL in the speech frequencies has been most often reported.. We describe irreversible SNHL in a patient in association with low-dose oral azithromycin prescribed for acute otitis media. We summarize the available evidence, including a systematic literature review, in support of a possible causal association between SNHL and low-dose azithromycin therapy.. Physicians should be aware of the potential for even low-dose, oral azithromycin to cause irreversible SNHL as a serious adverse drug reaction in some patients.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Azithromycin; Female; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural; Humans; Middle Aged; Otitis Media

Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Azithromycin; Female; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural; Humans; Middle Aged

Azithromycin, an azalide antibiotic, rarely causes ototoxicity. According to the few reports in existence, azithromycin-induced ototoxicity occurred following prolonged high-dose therapy in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and resulted in a reversible sensorineural hearing loss. We present a case of irreversible sensorineural hearing loss due to azithromycin ototoxicity in an otherwise healthy woman following low-dose exposure to azithromycin.

Topics: Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Azithromycin; Female; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural; Humans; Tinnitus

Topics: Adult; AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Azithromycin; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural; Humans; Male

Topics: AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections; Azithromycin; Drug Labeling; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural; Humans; Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare Infection