Losartan is a medication prescribed to manage high blood pressure and various heart conditions. It belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the ears without an external source, often described as ringing, buzzing, or hissing. This article explores the potential connection between Losartan and tinnitus, examining existing evidence and other contributing factors.
Understanding Tinnitus as a Potential Side Effect
Tinnitus is an auditory experience characterized by internal sounds like ringing, buzzing, or hissing. These phantom noises can vary in pitch and intensity, occurring in one or both ears. Most people experience subjective tinnitus, meaning only they can hear the sounds.
Certain medications can cause or worsen tinnitus, a phenomenon called ototoxicity. Ototoxic drugs can damage sensory hair cells within the inner ear, which are important for hearing. This damage can lead to the perception of sound when no external sound is present. Over 200 prescription and nonprescription drugs are known to be ototoxic, with effects that can be temporary or permanent.
Losartan’s Association with Tinnitus
Losartan has been identified as a potential cause of tinnitus, although it is considered an uncommon side effect. The FDA drug label for Losartan lists tinnitus as a less common adverse reaction under “Ear and Labyrinth Disorders.” While the precise biological processes are not fully understood, Losartan might influence blood flow dynamics within the inner ear, or it could affect neurotransmitters involved in auditory processing.
Reported incidence rates of tinnitus in patients taking Losartan or other angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are generally low. In one study, the incidence of tinnitus in patients receiving ARBs was approximately 13.5%, which was lower compared to diuretics at 27.2%. Some research suggests that ARBs like Losartan may carry a lower risk of causing tinnitus compared to other blood pressure medications, such as ACE inhibitors. However, tinnitus cases with Losartan and other ARBs are reported more frequently when these drugs are taken with diuretics, suggesting a possible interaction.
Some studies have explored Losartan’s potential in relation to auditory function. One study suggested Losartan might prevent maladaptive auditory-somatosensory plasticity after hearing loss, which could be relevant to ear noises. However, this research did not directly assess Losartan’s role in causing tinnitus.
Other Factors Contributing to Tinnitus
Tinnitus can arise from various underlying conditions, not solely from medication. Age-related hearing loss is a common cause, as functioning nerve fibers in the ears decline over time. Exposure to loud noises, such as from occupational settings, concerts, or personal audio devices, can also damage the inner ear and induce tinnitus.
Physical issues within the ear itself frequently contribute to tinnitus. These include earwax blockages, ear infections, or changes in how blood moves through nearby blood vessels. Certain medical conditions are also linked to tinnitus, such as Meniere’s disease, which affects the inner ear, or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders impacting the jaw. Head or neck injuries can further disrupt the auditory system, leading to tinnitus by affecting the inner ear, hearing nerves, or brain function related to hearing.
Steps to Take if Tinnitus Occurs
If you are taking Losartan and begin to experience tinnitus, consulting a healthcare professional is important. Avoid self-diagnosing or discontinuing your medication without medical guidance, as abruptly stopping blood pressure medication can lead to dangerous increases in blood pressure. Your doctor can evaluate your symptoms and determine if Losartan is the likely cause or if other factors are contributing to the auditory disturbance.
When speaking with your doctor, provide detailed information about the onset and characteristics of the tinnitus, along with a complete list of all medications you are taking and your medical history. If medication is suspected as the cause, your healthcare provider might consider adjusting your dose or exploring alternative treatments. General management strategies for tinnitus can be discussed under medical guidance, including sound therapy, counseling, and lifestyle adjustments. Sound therapy, such as using white noise or specific sound generators, can help mask the tinnitus, while counseling, including cognitive behavioral therapy, can assist in coping with the impact of tinnitus on daily life.