medical decision support medical decision support
Sign In

Risk Factors for Sensorineural Deafness Following Therapy with a Phosphodiesterase (PDE) Inhibitor

Description

Despite its mention in drug advertisements, sensorineural hearing loss associated with phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors is extremely rare. Some experimental studies in animals indicate that it can occur under certain circumstances. Ototoxicity may be encountered more frequently as the role of PDE inhibitors expands.


 

Risk factors for hearing loss in a person taking a PDE-5 inhibitor may include:

(1) high doses of the PDE-5 inhibitor

(2) long-term therapy

(3) pre-existing damage to the hearing system

(4) concurrent exposure to a drug or physical agent that can damage hearing

(5) continuing therapy after the onset of hearing loss (failure to stop)

 

Clinical findings:

(1) The presenting symptoms is hearing loss in one or both ears.

(2) Some patients may develop vertigo.

(3) Most cases have been permanent but some may be partially or completely reversible.

 


To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.

Specialty

ICD-10