Quite simply, an ototoxic drug is any drug that causes hearing loss. Because these drugs harm the inner ear, they can also cause dizziness or a general sense of imbalance. Many of the medications that cause ototoxity are used for life-threatening diseases or conditions. In some cases, the loss of hearing is only temporary, but in others it can be permanent.
Not all ototoxic drugs are prescription drugs, either. Some are over the counter medications. However, with the rise of prescription drug abuse, it’s important to realize that the unassuming drugs found in the medicine cabinet may actually have mild to severe side-effects. Most teens and young adults wanting to get high will have a rude awakening if they happen to take an ototoxic drug.
Do you think prescription drugs with severe side effects will discourage teens from abusing the drugs they find at home?
