ERYTHROMYCIN-INDUCED HEARING-LOSS IN IMMUNOSUPPRESSED TRANSPLANT PATIENTS

The ototoxic effects of erythromycin are rare and appear to be associa ted with high dosage and altered renal function. Erythromycin, along w ith cyclosporine and azathioprine, immunosuppressive agents used in th e transplant population, are extensively metabolized in the liver. We have retrospectively identified and describe 3 transplant recipients o n immunosuppressive drugs - furosemide and erythromycin - who develope d altered hepatic function and ototoxicity that was reversible with wi thdrawal of erythromycin.