Efficacy of oral oxpentifylline in the management of idiopathic tinnitus

A prospective single-blind, placebo-controlled trial was effected in 30 patients presenting to an out-patient clinic complaining principally of tinnitus. Over a 6-week period, the subjects were assessed by routine audiometry and subjective reporting of change in their symptoms. A treatment group received the xanthine derivative, oxpentifylline (Hoechst UK), while a control group received identically presented inactive placebo. There was no significant difference between the placebo and treatment groups for any of the parameters measured, and, therefore, oxpentifylline cannot be recommended in the management of idiopathic tinnitus.