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Medicines That Can Cause Tinnitus

Many prescription and nonprescription medicines can cause ringing in the ears (tinnitus). A few examples are:

  • Aspirin, ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin), and naproxen (such as Aleve).
  • Some blood pressure and heart medicines.
  • Some antidepressants.
  • Some cancer medicines.

If ringing in the ears occurs after you have taken a medicine:

  • Call the doctor who prescribed the medicine to determine whether you should stop taking the medicine or take a different one. An appointment may not be needed.
  • If you are taking a nonprescription medicine, stop taking it. Call your doctor if you feel you need to continue taking the medicine.
By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Last Revised January 11, 2012

Last Revised: January 11, 2012

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine

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