The neurotoxicity of antibacterial agents

Ann Intern Med. 1984 Jul;101(1):92-104. doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-101-1-92.

Abstract

Commonly used antibacterial agents may be associated with various neurotoxic reactions. Central nervous system toxicities include seizure disorders, encephalopathy, bulging fontanelles, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. These abnormalities have been associated with the use of the penicillins, cephalosporins, sulfonamides, tetracyclines, chloramphenicol, colistin, aminoglycosides, metronidazole, isoniazid, rifampin, ethionamide, cycloserine, and dapsone. Cranial nerve toxicities, such as myopia, optic neuritis, deafness, vertigo, and tinnitus, have been associated with the use of erythromycin, sulfonamides, tetracyclines, chloramphenicol, colistin, aminoglycosides, vancomycin, isoniazid, and ethambutol. Peripheral nerve symptoms consisting of paresthesias, motor weakness, or sensory impairment have been associated with the use of the penicillins, sulfonamides, chloramphenicol, colistin, metronidazole, isoniazid, ethionamide, and dapsone. Neuromuscular blockade has been associated with the use of the tetracyclines, polymyxins, lincomycin, clindamycin, and aminoglycosides. Management generally consists of supportive therapy and immediate discontinuation of therapy with the offending drug.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aminoglycosides / adverse effects
  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / adverse effects
  • Anti-Infective Agents / adverse effects*
  • Central Nervous System Diseases / chemically induced
  • Cephalosporins / adverse effects
  • Chloramphenicol / adverse effects
  • Clindamycin / adverse effects
  • Colistin / adverse effects
  • Cranial Nerve Diseases / chemically induced
  • Dapsone / adverse effects
  • Erythromycin / adverse effects
  • Ethambutol / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Lincomycin / adverse effects
  • Metronidazole / adverse effects
  • Nervous System Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Neuromuscular Junction / drug effects
  • Penicillins / adverse effects
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / chemically induced
  • Polymyxin B / adverse effects
  • Sulfonamides / adverse effects
  • Tetracyclines / adverse effects
  • Vancomycin / adverse effects

Substances

  • Aminoglycosides
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Cephalosporins
  • Penicillins
  • Sulfonamides
  • Tetracyclines
  • Metronidazole
  • Clindamycin
  • Erythromycin
  • Chloramphenicol
  • Vancomycin
  • Ethambutol
  • Dapsone
  • Lincomycin
  • Polymyxin B
  • Colistin