Tinnitus Rx resources

The American Tinnitus Association is pleased to share several avenues where tinnitus patients can learn more about medications and tinnitus. Some prescription and over-the-counter drugs can affect/worsen existing tinnitus or, in some cases, cause tinnitus as a side effect. Before you consider any change in your medication(s) or treatment strategy, consult with your personal physician. Ask questions, and be sure to mention other medications, supplements and vitamins you currently take.

PDR Listing
The publisher of The Physicians Desk Reference (PDR) has a list of medications (prescription and over-the-counter drugs) that list tinnitus as a potential side effect. While this list does not detail information about drugs tested specifically on tinnitus patients, it can be a helpful guide when making healthcare decisions. ATA does not have copyright permission to make this information available over the Internet. You may wish to visit the PDRhealth Web site for general drug information. For your free copy of the "2009 PDR Guide to Drug Interactions, Side Effects, And Indications for Tinnitus," please contact ATA at (800) 634-8978, x 219 or e-mail lisa@ata.org.

FDA Drug Line
All people with questions about tinnitus and medications can contact the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's drug line at (301) 827-4570. Receive up-to-date information about drug side effects and interactions from pharmacists and medical professionals – 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Eastern time. If you do not reach someone at this number right away, leave a voice message and expect a return call within 48 hours.

FDA Web Site
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration also hosts several Web sites featuring information about various medications. You can do a search on individual drugs and drugs new to the market through the two links below. The site also has a feature with suggestions of questions to ask your doctor. As someone with tinnitus, you should always ask how any medication prescribed to you may impact your tinnitus and hearing.
FDA Consumer Info
FDA Drug Info Links

NIH Web Site
The National Institute of Health also has a web site where you can get information on thousands of prescription and over-the-counter generic or name brand medications.

Center for Hearing Communication Web Site
The League for the Hard of Hearing (LHH) has changed their name to the Center for Hearing and Communication. They have a web site where you can get information on medications that cause hearing loss and tinnitus.

DrugWatch Web Site
Up-to-date information about prescriptions and over-the-counter medications and includes details about associated side effects to aid in the protection of patients and consumers. The content on the site may help consumers formulate questions for medical professionals and alert the public about important information regarding potentially dangerous side effects associated with certain medications.

For more information please contact: Lisa F. Hutton, Manager of Member Services (800) 634-8978 x 219 or lisa@ata.org