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A Narrative Review of Pharmacologic Treatments for COVID ‐19: Safety Considerations and Ototoxicity
Author(s) -
Little Christine,
Cosetti Maura K.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1002/lary.29424
Subject(s) - medicine , ototoxicity , tinnitus , hearing loss , azithromycin , intensive care medicine , hydroxychloroquine , covid-19 , audiology , pharmacology , antibiotics , microbiology and biotechnology , disease , chemotherapy , infectious disease (medical specialty) , cisplatin , biology
Objective/Hypothesis The purpose of this review is to summarize evidence‐based data regarding the ototoxic effects of potential COVID‐19 therapeutics to treat patients suffering from SARS‐CoV‐2. Methods Medications under investigation as novel therapeutics to treat COVID‐19 were identified using the search term coronavirus therapeutics , COVID therapeutics , and SARS‐CoV‐2 therapeutics on ClinicalTrials.gov and the PubMed Database. A literature review was performed using the PubMed Database for each proposed COVID‐19 therapeutic to identify relevant articles. Search criteria included Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and key word search terms for ototoxicity , vestibulotoxicity , hearing disorders , and vertigo . Results Six proposed COVID‐19 therapeutics were identified as possessing ototoxic side effects including chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin, lopinavir‐ritonavir, interferon, ribavirin, and ivermectin. Conclusions Available evidence suggests that ototoxic effects may be improved or mitigated by stopping the offending agent. Recognition of hearing loss, tinnitus, or imbalance/vertigo is therefore crucial to facilitate early intervention and prevent long‐term damage. Hospitals should consider the inclusion of audiologic monitoring protocols for patients receiving COVID‐19 therapeutics with known ototoxicity, especially in high‐risk patient groups such as the elderly and hearing impaired. Laryngoscope , 131:1626–1632, 2021