Irreversible sensorineural hearing loss due to clarithromycin

Clarithromycin is a commonly used advanced generation macrolide. This case study reviews a case of an 81 year old woman who developed sensorineural deafness in the right ear after the start of low dose oral clarithromycin for an infective exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Despite cessation of this drug after only three days, the sensorineural deafness was found to be irreversible. Reversible sensorineural deafness secondary to macrolides has previously been described and evidence in the literature shows that a dose related phenomenon occurs. Research has indicated that transient dysfunction of the outer hair cells could be the possible mechanism. In this case, however, the patient experienced an irreversible sensorineural deafness associated with the start of low dose oral clarithromycin. This is a side effect profile that has not previously been reported.