A narrative review of pharmacologic treatments for COVID‐19: safety considerations and ototoxicity

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader A narrative review of pharmacologic treatments for COVID‐19: safety considerations and ototoxicity Via The Laryngoscope Abstract Objectives 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. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.