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.
