Can arthritis medications cause tinnitus?
Q: I am on several medications for arthritis and have now developed tinnitus. If there’s a connection, is there a cure? A: First, let s assume that your tinnitus is related to one or more of your medications. I hope this is the case, because if it is, the cure is dead simple: you need to get off the offending medication. Aspirin-based medications (salicylates) are well-known causes of tinnitus, especially when used at high doses; such medications are often used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Quinine is another well-known cause of tinnitus. Quinine is usually prescribed as a treatment for muscle cramps. Hundreds of other drugs have been associated with tinnitus. Also, you need to know that alcohol, caffeine and nicotine each can cause a subjective worsening of your tinnitus. If you are taking neither salicylates nor quinine, then your doctor will need to take your medication list and review it, using his trusty PDR (Physician s Desk Reference, a huge book updated annually whi
