Tinnitus After Using Naseptin Cream (Chlorhexidine Dihydrochloride and Neomycin Sulfate)

[stledge]

Hi. I was prescribed Naseptin cream in July 2023 for nosebleeds. I ended up in A&E in August due to further nosebleeds. My nostril was packed and I was advised to keep using the cream and consider going private to get a cauterisation done. I got this done in late August and was advised to use this cream for two weeks or so until my nostril healed.

I assumed this cream was safe and I have been using it on and off until the end of January 2024. I've used a full 15g tube and now I suddenly have developed tinnitus which is driving me crazy.

I had no idea this cream was dangerous, I was never advised of this at any time by the doctor, consultant or A&E doctor.

The doctor isn't sure whether one small tube would be enough to cause tinnitus.

Anybody else have any experience of this cream?

 

[chaarmac]

I started taking Naseptin today and this evening I have a constant beep in my right ear.

 

[Jammer]

I found this bit on PubMed from 1988:

Abstract

Profound, irreversible ototoxicity has been reported following oral and topical neomycin therapy. Preexisting renal disease is a known risk factor for this adverse effect. In spite of the potential hazards of this drug, it continues to be used widely both orally and topically. This is a report of a severe, permanent hearing deficit that occurred in a patient with chronic renal failure. The patient, who had developed decubitus ulcers, was treated for three weeks with topical 1% neomycin solution applied in gauze-soaked bandages. Regular hemodialysis failed to prevent this adverse effect. Caution should be exercised in selecting patients to receive prolonged neomycin therapy.

Many drugs are known to be ototoxic, but unfortunately for us, doctors have no clue.

 

[Bill K]

Chlorhexidine, whether used topically or as a mouthwash, causes absolutely horrible and irreversible tinnitus for me. I often forget to remind the doctor or dentist not to use it.

Even though it's listed in my allergy record, it's such a common product that they tend to use it automatically, and I end up being exposed to it again.

 

[Linda Hobbis]

I've just been prescribed Naseptin and have used it three times—twice yesterday and once today—just a small amount inside one of my nostrils. I haven't applied it deep into my nose. After reading about Neomycin, I'm now worried that I might have made my tinnitus worse. My GP says it's only a concern when Neomycin is given intravenously or applied to large areas of skin. I'm just looking for some reassurance that if I stop using it now, I should be all right.

I've also used Otomize for years and never realized it contained Neomycin, nor was I aware that Corsodyl Mouthwash could pose a risk either.

 

[kingsfan]

I've just been prescribed Naseptin and have used it three times—twice yesterday and once today—just a small amount inside one of my nostrils. I haven't applied it deep into my nose. After reading about Neomycin, I'm now worried that I might have made my tinnitus worse. My GP says it's only a concern when Neomycin is given intravenously or applied to large areas of skin. I'm just looking for some reassurance that if I stop using it now, I should be all right.

I've also used Otomize for years and never realized it contained Neomycin, nor was I aware that Corsodyl Mouthwash could pose a risk either.

I don't think using it topically would be a concern. I used Neomycin cream in the past for an eyelid infection and had no issues, and I usually have tinnitus issues with most medications.

Most of the issues I've seen on here have been from ear drops.