Which medications may cause dizziness and hearing problems?

Under normal circumstances, some medications may affect the nervous system or inner ear function during use, thereby causing dizziness and hearing problems. Common medications include Gentamicin Sulfate Injection, Aspirin Enteric-coated Tablets, Furosemide Tablets, Difenidol Hydrochloride Tablets, and Carbamazepine Tablets. A detailed explanation is as follows:

1. Gentamicin Sulfate Injection

Gentamicin sulfate belongs to the aminoglycoside antibiotics and has both nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity. It may damage the inner ear hair cells and auditory nerve, leading to hearing loss, tinnitus, and dizziness due to impaired vestibular function. This medication is commonly used to treat severe bacterial infections and must be administered strictly according to medical instructions. Prolonged or excessive use should be avoided, especially in children and elderly patients.

2. Aspirin Enteric-coated Tablets

Long-term or high-dose use of aspirin may inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, affecting the blood circulation of the inner ear and causing ischemia, which can lead to hearing problems. It may also act on the central nervous system, interfering with neural signal transmission and causing dizziness. This medication is commonly used for antipyretic, analgesic, and anti-thrombotic purposes. Any related discomfort should be promptly reported to a physician to adjust the treatment plan.

3. Furosemide Tablets

As a potent diuretic, furosemide may cause electrolyte imbalance in the body, affecting the equilibrium of inner ear lymph fluid and damaging inner ear function, which may lead to hearing loss, tinnitus, and dizziness. This medication is commonly used for treating edema and hypertension. Electrolyte levels should be regularly monitored during treatment, and any discomfort should prompt immediate medical attention to adjust the dosage.

4. Difenidol Hydrochloride Tablets

Difenidol hydrochloride tablets are primarily used for the prevention and treatment of motion sickness. However, when acting on the vestibular nervous system, it may excessively suppress vestibular function, causing dizziness instead. Some individuals may experience abnormal hearing after taking this medication, likely due to its mild effects on the auditory nerve. Physical reactions should be observed after taking the medication, and if symptoms worsen, the medication should be discontinued immediately.

5. Carbamazepine Tablets

Carbamazepine tablets are commonly used for treating epilepsy and neuralgia. It may affect auditory nerve conduction function, leading to hearing loss and tinnitus. It may also act on the central nervous system, interfering with neurotransmitter balance and causing dizziness. Regular hearing tests and neurological assessments should be conducted during treatment, and any discomfort should be promptly discussed with a physician.

Medications should always be taken strictly as directed by a physician, without self-adjusting dosages or switching medications. If dizziness or hearing problems occur after taking medication, prompt medical evaluation is necessary to avoid delaying treatment. Individuals with existing hearing impairments or vestibular dysfunction should proactively inform their physicians of their medical history before treatment to reduce potential risks.