Ototoxicity of Common Topical Antimycotic Preparations
April 2000
in “
The Laryngoscope
”
TLDR Clotrimazole, miconazole, and tolnaftate are likely safe, but gentian violet is risky.
The study investigated the ototoxic effects of five topical antimycotic agents in guinea pigs by measuring hair cell loss. Clotrimazole, miconazole, and tolnaftate did not cause hair cell loss, while nystatin left a persistent residue but showed no ototoxicity. Gentian violet caused severe vestibular damage, middle ear inflammation, and bone growth, preventing hair cell count. The study concluded that clotrimazole, miconazole, and tolnaftate are likely safe, while gentian violet poses significant risks. Extrapolation to humans should be done cautiously, considering guinea pigs may be more susceptible to ototoxins.