The ototoxic effects of ethacrynic acid in man and animals.

A review of the literature was carried out to summarize the ototoxic effects of ethacrynic acid on man and animal. The effects of this drug on the electrolytes of the endolymphatic and perilymphatic systems, on the cochlear potentials and the auditory cortical-evoked responses, were reviewed. Histological animal studies determined by light and electron microscopy were described. Potentiation of this drug with previous aminoglycoside therapy was discussed. In this paper, a human case report with temporal bone findings was present in addition to the histopathological effects of this drug which were shown in a series of animals receiving this drug over a period of time. Edematous and cellular changes in the stria vascularis, especially with animals receiving large doses of the drug, were described. No permanent alterations in the cochlear potentials resulted from the long-term therapy with ethacrynic acid.