Tinnitus Spike After Amoxicillin, Clarithromycin, Doxycycline, and Bismuth Treatment for H. Pylori

[angpol94]

Hi, I have had tinnitus since childhood (I am now 30) due to repeated ear infections. I also have associated hearing loss.

In December last year, I took a seven-day course of Amoxicillin and Clarithromycin for H. pylori, which unfortunately failed. By the end of the seven days, I experienced a significant tinnitus spike. Fortunately, the tinnitus returned to its normal volume within a week after I discontinued the antibiotics.

Since the initial treatment failed, I have now been prescribed Amoxicillin, Doxycycline, and Bismuth for a total duration of 14 days. I have just completed day 10. Unfortunately, since last night, my tinnitus has flared up significantly again. This has caused me severe anxiety, and I barely slept last night.

I am seeking advice and reassurance, if possible. I only have four days of treatment left, and I have already spent around $800 trying to eradicate this infection, including specialist doctor fees and treatment costs. I do not want to stop the antibiotics early because I want to avoid encouraging antibiotic resistance and needing another course.

Is it likely that my tinnitus flare will reduce once I complete my treatment in four days?

 

[Jammer]

It should. I had hernia surgery a week ago and was given an IV antibiotic that caused my tinnitus to spike. It is finally resolving. Give it some time.

 

[Juliane]

@angpol94, sorry to hear about your struggles. Was the treatment successful? How is your tinnitus now?

 

[angpol94]

Hi, fortunately the treatment was successful, and I don't require additional antibiotics.

My tinnitus, on the other hand, feels worse than it was before the antibiotic treatment. However, I've gotten used to it, and I don't notice it when I'm not focusing on it.

 

[dd314]

Hi, fortunately the treatment was successful, and I don't require additional antibiotics.

My tinnitus, on the other hand, feels worse than it was before the antibiotic treatment. However, I've gotten used to it, and I don't notice it when I'm not focusing on it.

It's probably from Clarithromycin and Doxycycline. Drugs with those suffixes are known to be ototoxic. Anecdotally, I noticed my tinnitus became a bit louder after a short course of Doxycycline back in 2018. It sounds like you've got it under control now, though.

 

[Varda]

I may have H. Pylori based on the results of a stomach X-ray.

Did you take a PPI in your treatment? I've heard those can also cause tinnitus.

It seems to me that the safest first treatment would be Amoxicillin, Bismuth, and an H2 Blocker only.

@UrbanBubblegum, do you have any advice after being treated for H. Pylori?