Article · Volume 5, Issue 2 · pp. 163–165

A case of tinnitus induced by chlorpromazine in a pediatric patient

Carla Carnovale², Paolo Pellegrino², Silvia Beretta³, Gian Vincenzo Zuccotti³, Valentina Perrone², Stefania Antoniazzi², Marco Pozzi⁴, Emilio Clementi^2,4, Sonia Radice²

¹Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Luigi Sacco University Hospital.
²Department of Pediatrics, Luigi Sacco Hospital, University of Milan, Milan.
³Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Health Care Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy Case Report.

Abstract

Chlorpromazine is a well‑known antipsychotic agent that binds with a variety of receptors in the central nervous system. To date, chlorpromazine has never been associated with onset of hearing disorders and tinnitus. We report on an unexpected suspect adverse reaction to chlorpromazine that occurred in a 12‑year‑old boy, affected by severe generalized anxiety disorder. After treatment with chlorpromazine, the patient experienced an enhanced sensitivity to sounds accompanied by perception of noises of the buzzing or ringing type. This clinical case is of great clinical interest as chlorpromazine is not currently included among potentially ototoxic drugs.

Keywords: Adverse drug reaction; chlorpromazine; tinnitus

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