Quinine in Bitter Lemon Drink — Can It Worsen Tinnitus?

[Paul Burdett]

Hi all. Three years and five months in with tinnitus. Like many here I have days of little to no tinnitus and then days of loud tinnitus.

Over the past months the level of the loud tinnitus has decreased. The pattern of good/bad days is unpredictable.

Anyhow...one of my favourite drinks that I haven't had for a long time is Bitter lemon. As it was 50% off at the store I bought a number of cartons (4 bottles in each). So, I've had a few over the past two days, and today my tinnitus is louder than usual.

I know that Quinine is an ingredient, but thought that the small amount wouldn't cause any issues...I may be wrong! I've read that it can cause tinnitus in some people. Anyone got any info/advice here?


Cheers,
Paul

 

[Greg Sacramento]

@Paul Burdett Quinine can aggravate tinnitus, but you should be OK it you discontinue use. Years ago, I'd had drinks with Quinine and my tinnitus did rise, but it resolved. Quinine is banned for use, except for water based drinks.
Only 15 cases have been reported to cause tinnitus. Within those 15 cases, hearing loss is mentioned as cause.

 

[Tweaker]

I would avoid quinine. It is known to cause tinnitus. Not worth the risk.

 

[Chris S.]

I am dealing currently with a very bad spike caused by quinine (after drinking one glass of tonic water and not being aware of the ototoxicity of quinine).

Avoid at all cost!