What Drugs Should a Tinnitus Sufferer Avoid If They Get Coronavirus?

[Watasha]

Dr. Nagler - I know that malaria drugs such as chloroquine were on your list as drugs to avoid.

Very early anecdotal stories suggest that a combination of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin could be effective in reducing the severity and longevity of the coronavirus. This sounds like a potential ototoxic cocktail and I wanted to get your thoughts on it. If this is a widespread use globally, could we see a tinnitus pandemic from this potentially lifesaving drug cocktail and should people with existing tinnitus avoid unless absolutely necessary?

 

[Dr. Nagler]

Dr. Nagler - I know that malaria drugs such as chloroquine were on your list as drugs to avoid. Very early anecdotal stories suggest that a combination of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin could be effective in reducing the severity and longevity of the coronavirus. This sounds like a potential ototoxic cocktail and I wanted to get your thoughts on it. If this is a widespread use globally, could we see a tinnitus pandemic from this potentially lifesaving drug cocktail and should people with existing tinnitus avoid unless absolutely necessary?

Hello @Watasha -

It's really a personal decision ...

If I were infected with coronavirus, and my doctor prescribed hydroxychloroquine/azithromycin based upon solid FDA guidelines (i.e., not based upon "very early anecdotal stories"), I would take it without hesitation. I am over 70, and to me the importance of living long enough to play with my grandchildren and watch them grow outweighs the risk of auditory damage and/or an increase in the loudness of my tinnitus.

Stay safe. And remember, the two most powerful weapons we have today against coronavirus are hand washing and social distancing.

All the best -

Stephen M. Nagler, M.D.