Ototoxicity is a known adverse effect of which antibiotic?

• A. Amoxicillin
• B. Gentamicin
• C. Penicillin
• D. Ciprofloxacin

Answer: (B)

Ototoxicity occurs when drugs damage the inner ear, leading to hearing loss or balance problems. Gentamicin, an aminoglycoside, is a classic antibiotic known for this risk. It can cause sensorineural hearing loss and vertigo, especially with high drug levels, long treatment, or reduced kidney function because the drug accumulates in ear fluids and harms the delicate hair cells that translate sound and motion into nerve signals. This damage is often irreversible, so monitoring is crucial: watch for tinnitus, hearing changes, or dizziness and check trough levels and renal function to keep exposure as low as possible.

The other antibiotics listed don’t carry ototoxicity as a primary concern. Amoxicillin and penicillin are beta-lactams with different typical side effects, while ciprofloxacin has other risks such as tendon issues and CNS effects, and is not known mainly for damaging hearing or balance. If symptoms suggest ear/vestibular toxicity while on gentamicin, clinicians typically reassess therapy and consider alternatives.