by Neil Bauman, Ph.D.
A parent asked:
Can you please tell me if the antibiotic “Bactrim” is known to be ototoxic? My son was prescribed this medication because of an exposure to whooping cough.”
Bactrim (Trimethoprim) is somewhat ototoxic. It is not known to cause hearing loss, but it can cause tinnitus (ringing in the ears), ataxia (staggering gait), dizziness and vertigo (sensation of spinning).
Who knows whether your son will have any of these side effects–but at least you now know what to watch for.
Note: This post was written 20 years ago and much more information has come to light regarding ototoxicity in the intervening years. Therefore, it is wise to check out this drug’s ototoxic properties in the latest (4th) edition of my book Ototoxic Drugs Exposed. This book contains information on the ototoxicity of 1,604 drugs, 64 herbs and 144 chemicals.