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What Medication Can Cause Anosmia?
Question: I am experiencing anosmia. I take 31 drugs including OTC's, What drugs may cause my anosmia. An ENT doctor couldn't find a structural problem. thanks XXXXXXX XXXX
Brief Answer:
See the detailed answer below.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
If the doctor finds no structural problem in the nose for the Anosmia... other possibilities are
- Nerve damage causing a problem in the sense of smell (disturbing olfactory nerve function) which needs to be investigated separately (spinal or brain level)
- Yes, certain medicines like intranasal zink/Decongestant nasal sprays can cause damage to the sensory tissue in nasal passage & anosmia.
- Not the use of antibiotics but the disease for which antibiotic was used, Nifedipine (high blood pressure), phenothiazines (psychiatric problems)/Use of cocaine can cause loss of smell (anosmia)
- Exposure to toxic substances like Benzene, Chlorine, formaldehyde/Exposure to industrial heavy metals can lead to the problem
- Deficiency of vitamin A, B6 Or B12 can cause anosmia.
These are possible causes for Anosmia. without any obvious structural damage.
I hope that answers your query. Any follow up query is welcome.
Regards,
Dr. Vasudha Jayant Athavale, General & Family Physician
See the detailed answer below.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
If the doctor finds no structural problem in the nose for the Anosmia... other possibilities are
- Nerve damage causing a problem in the sense of smell (disturbing olfactory nerve function) which needs to be investigated separately (spinal or brain level)
- Yes, certain medicines like intranasal zink/Decongestant nasal sprays can cause damage to the sensory tissue in nasal passage & anosmia.
- Not the use of antibiotics but the disease for which antibiotic was used, Nifedipine (high blood pressure), phenothiazines (psychiatric problems)/Use of cocaine can cause loss of smell (anosmia)
- Exposure to toxic substances like Benzene, Chlorine, formaldehyde/Exposure to industrial heavy metals can lead to the problem
- Deficiency of vitamin A, B6 Or B12 can cause anosmia.
These are possible causes for Anosmia. without any obvious structural damage.
I hope that answers your query. Any follow up query is welcome.
Regards,
Dr. Vasudha Jayant Athavale, General & Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Brief Answer:
Two possible causes are explained below.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I have scrutinized all as far as their indications, ingredients & possible side effects are concerned, to best of my knowledge & found most of them to be free from causing Anosmia, except for two possibilities, which I am explaining below.
1. Astelin - It's a histamine antagonist. (Histamine is released in response to exposure to allergen & produces all allergy symptoms). It is used as a local decongestant in the form of nasal spray forming first-line treatment for intermittent mild rhinitis.
It's relevant side effects are dryness in the mouth, sore throat & dry, sore & burning nasal mucus membrane... this can damage the nasal mucus membrane, with the sensory nerve endings for the sense of smell... & cause Anosmia in few patients.
2. Acyclovir- It is an antiviral agent. The drug itself does not have side effect causing Anosmia... but the viral infection like Herpes simplex...facial variety, where the lips, face, & sometimes nasal passage is affected in the disease process. Such nasal viral infection itself can damage the nasal mucus membrane to cause Anosmia.
Hope I have answered your query.
Regards,
Dr. Vasudha Jayant Athavale, General & Family Physician
Two possible causes are explained below.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I have scrutinized all as far as their indications, ingredients & possible side effects are concerned, to best of my knowledge & found most of them to be free from causing Anosmia, except for two possibilities, which I am explaining below.
1. Astelin - It's a histamine antagonist. (Histamine is released in response to exposure to allergen & produces all allergy symptoms). It is used as a local decongestant in the form of nasal spray forming first-line treatment for intermittent mild rhinitis.
It's relevant side effects are dryness in the mouth, sore throat & dry, sore & burning nasal mucus membrane... this can damage the nasal mucus membrane, with the sensory nerve endings for the sense of smell... & cause Anosmia in few patients.
2. Acyclovir- It is an antiviral agent. The drug itself does not have side effect causing Anosmia... but the viral infection like Herpes simplex...facial variety, where the lips, face, & sometimes nasal passage is affected in the disease process. Such nasal viral infection itself can damage the nasal mucus membrane to cause Anosmia.
Hope I have answered your query.
Regards,
Dr. Vasudha Jayant Athavale, General & Family Physician
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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